Chippa United coach Eric Tinkler will not only be looking for positive results against Free State Stars, but also wants his players to score goals when the two sides meet on Wednesday in a Premier Soccer League fixture at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
Tinkler has only one win from the three matches he has been in charge of since taking over from Dan “Dance” Malesela at the Port Elizabeth-based side and will be looking to increase that tally tonight.
He lost 2-1 against his former side Supersport United in his first task at the Chilli Boys camp and that result was followed by a 1-0 win against Baroka FC at East London’s Sisa Dukashe Stadium.
Their most recent result was a goalless draw against Golden Arrows.
Despite the stalemate, the former Bafana Bafana star applauded his team’s backline but said they needed to keep that form.
“It is very important that we remain consistent in terms of our defence,” the coach said.
“This week we have been primarily working on our competitive play. We are looking to score goals.
“When we analysed our previous game, we noticed that we created many chances in the first half in particular.
“What we need to do now is to capitalise on those chances and make sure we score. That obviously helps you in the second half as it takes a lot of pressure off you.
“That is something that we have been working primarily on ahead of Free State Stars.”
He is adamant that his players will get that second win of the season, more so because they are playing at home.
“The preparations have been quite good, but the wind is not very friendly and obviously that messes up the training in terms of achieving certain objectives,” Tinkler said.
The former Orlando Pirates player and mentor said he was happy to welcome back some of his key players from injury.
“Some players are back from injury – Mark Mayambela, Daine Klate and Buyani Sali are ready,” Tinkler said.
“It’s very important for us to get a positive result against Free State Stars.
“All the games are important right now and I think the league itself has shown that any team can beat any team.
“Gone are the days where you would guarantee points here or there – that does not exist any more.
“You have to work hard for every point.
“I know Chippa’s record, especially here in PE, is not good and we want to change that.
“This needs to be our parcel and we need to defend our parcel. We are trying to reiterate that type of philosophy to the players.”
Chippa are 14th on the log with five points from six matches.
Although they are positioned eighth on the log, Stars too have not had the best start to the season.
The Bethlehem side have one win under their belt, which they claimed against Highlands Park after beating them 1-0.
The visitors failed to keep the winning momentum going and played to a goalless draw against Baroka FC in their last league fixture.
They will also be chasing for points on Wednesday night.