CHIPPA United coach Kosta Papic will never change his tactics despite two consecutive defeats for the Chilli Boys.
The Port Elizabeth-based Premier League club lost 2-1 to University of Pretoria on Wednesday after they were beaten 1-0 by SuperSport United last week. But Papic insisted that the status quo of attacking football reigned supreme at Chippa and this was not about to change.
Chippa’s attacking style though and failure to take their chances in front of goal, leaves them vulnerable at the back. Papic partly agrees: “We are very sharp going forward as a team but we need to address our reactionary play when the opposition counters. I must, however, emphasise that by this I’m in no way suggesting that we are going to change our attacking style.”
The 52-year-old coach noted referees’ decisions that worked against them in the two previous games but maintained that it was futile crying over split milk”. However, he was upset about the players who have not been issued their work permits. Their absence was to the club’s detriment, said Papic. He expressed his frustrations: “These players must get their work permits as soon as possible because not being able to select them for matchday kills my planning.”
This issue of players unavailable was going to be more problematic if or when the club sustain injuries and suspensions, added the Yugoslavian mentor.
Papic was concerned that the two losses may demoralise the spirit in the Chippa camp but pointed out the season was still young. He was also adamant that “Chippa United will not be relegated” come end of the season even though they went from the log summit after the league’s opening match to position six after the second and are now ninth of the 18-team log table with only three points from a possible nine.
Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows, who are among Chippa’s next four opponents, did not win their games on Wednesday. The Buccaneers were held to a one-all draw by AmaZulu while the Dube Birds’ wings were chopped by Mamelodi Sundowns in a 2-0 loss to the Pretoria outfit. Papic draws solace from this. In fact, Papic was looking forward to those matches as “I love those so-called big teams because they are so predictable”.
Chilli Boys striker David Zulu – last season’s National First Division top goalscorer – is on course to repeat that feat. Zulu has netted twice for Chippa in three outings. Papic believes this was good for the 28-year-old Zulu’s confidence and that of his fellow strikers. Chippa will visit Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Tuesday in search of their first victory on the road. — mawandem@dispatch.co.za
Papic will not switch lanes on his game plan
The Port Elizabeth-based Premier League club lost 2-1 to University of Pretoria on Wednesday after they were beaten 1-0 by SuperSport United last week. But Papic insisted that the status quo of attacking football reigned supreme at Chippa and this was not about to change.
Chippa’s attacking style though and failure to take their chances in front of goal, leaves them vulnerable at the back. Papic partly agrees: “We are very sharp going forward as a team but we need to address our reactionary play when the opposition counters. I must, however, emphasise that by this I’m in no way suggesting that we are going to change our attacking style.”
The 52-year-old coach noted referees’ decisions that worked against them in the two previous games but maintained that it was futile crying over split milk”. However, he was upset about the players who have not been issued their work permits. Their absence was to the club’s detriment, said Papic. He expressed his frustrations: “These players must get their work permits as soon as possible because not being able to select them for matchday kills my planning.”
This issue of players unavailable was going to be more problematic if or when the club sustain injuries and suspensions, added the Yugoslavian mentor.
Papic was concerned that the two losses may demoralise the spirit in the Chippa camp but pointed out the season was still young. He was also adamant that “Chippa United will not be relegated” come end of the season even though they went from the log summit after the league’s opening match to position six after the second and are now ninth of the 18-team log table with only three points from a possible nine.
Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows, who are among Chippa’s next four opponents, did not win their games on Wednesday. The Buccaneers were held to a one-all draw by AmaZulu while the Dube Birds’ wings were chopped by Mamelodi Sundowns in a 2-0 loss to the Pretoria outfit. Papic draws solace from this. In fact, Papic was looking forward to those matches as “I love those so-called big teams because they are so predictable”.
Chilli Boys striker David Zulu – last season’s National First Division top goalscorer – is on course to repeat that feat. Zulu has netted twice for Chippa in three outings. Papic believes this was good for the 28-year-old Zulu’s confidence and that of his fellow strikers. Chippa will visit Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Tuesday in search of their first victory on the road. — mawandem@dispatch.co.za
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