Chippa chasing win over Pirates
Chippa United will look to seize the moment and make up for their 2-0 defeat to Bloemfontein Celtic by beating Soweto giants Orlando Pirates at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday (7.30pm).
The match will be Chippa’s first home fixture this season and the team know there would be no better way to celebrate than with a rare win over Pirates.
A victory could also ease doubts Chippa supporters may have regarding their team’s state of readiness for this campaign.
The Chilli Boys performed below par against Siwelele on Sunday, which resulted in the team returning home with no points.
If Sunday’s rag-tag showing is anything to go by, there will have to be some serious improvement if the club want to be competitive in the league this season.
Coach Dan Malesela admitted he has a lot of fixing to do and a possible change in the starting lineup has been mooted ahead of Chippa’s much-anticipated match against the Buccaneers.
Comeback kid Thamsanqa Sangweni realises the fixture against Pirates is not going to be an easy game but said the team were eager to fight back with a victory.
Speaking after their loss to Celtic, Sangweni, who will be up against his former club, said: “There are a lot of things that we need to work on ahead of our next game, but we have not given up hope.
“It’s only the start of the season. However, it was not our wish to start the season like this with a defeat.
“We all need to examine our own performances individually so that we do not blame each other. We need to fix our mistakes now before it is too late.
“The match against Pirates will be a difficult one.”
Indeed, history tells us that Chippa have come second best more often than not to Pirates in the league.
In 10 matches between the sides, Pirates have won six.
But there has been some success for Chippa – the club have accrued three victories and a draw and will take inspiration from that.
A large crowd is expected to watch the match and the Chilli Boys will be hoping to convert their passing game into one that provides goals for their fans to complement the attractive brand of soccer they so like playing.
However, you can pass the ball all you like, but risk extinction if you do not put it in the back of the net.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
FREE TO READ | Just register if you’re new, or sign in.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@heraldlive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.