Chippa United coach Clinton Larsen dedicated his side’s crucial and timely Absa Premiership victory over Polokwane City to “under pressure” club chair Siviwe Mpengesi.
The Chilli Boys enhanced their chances of retaining their top-flight status with an impressive 3-1 away victory at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
The win lifted the Port Elizabeth team out of the relegation zone playoff spot and into 13th position on the log standings – but they are not out of the fire just yet.
However, they are now able to control their own destiny, as a victory or even a draw against Kaizer Chiefs in Port Elizabeth on Saturday will see them avoid the big drop.
Larsen said his team had won for Mpengesi who, he said, had been fully behind both players and management.
“The chairman has addressed [the players]. He’s been very positive.
“He’s been motivating them and I must thank him for his support,” Larsen said.
“He’s hardly around. He’s a businessman, so he’s hardly in Port Elizabeth.
“But he does make time and he’s been very supportive from the outside.
“This win is for him. He’s been under a lot of pressure as well, but I think the players knew the importance of the victory here today and they delivered.”
Larsen’s troops started at a high pace and got off to a quick lead through a 12th-minute strike from Rhulani Manzini which beat City goalkeeper George Chigova. The hosts struck back 15 minutes later as Mohamed Anas found the net.
However, Chippa’s players took the lead again shortly before halftime when Zimbabwean Donshano Malamo scored to see his team into a 2-1 lead at the break.
Soon after the resumption, Chippa put the result beyond doubt with Tercious Malepe scoring the third.
Larsen said it was rewarding to finally get a positive result after stringing together numerous solid performances without any luck.
“I’m feeling like I felt about all our other performances.
“I’ve been tired of hearing how well we’re playing and we have nothing to show for it.
“So, today we backed up a good performance with a victory.
“I think our defending was very good today.
“In the past we made defensive errors that have [led] to opponents scoring.
“We’re very happy to come here and score goals.
“It’s never easy, but the players executed our game plan very well.”