Eastern Cape soccer legends are throwing their weight behind Chippa United ahead of their first game ever in East London when they take on Ajax Cape Town on Sunday.Former Bush Bucks stars William Mugeyi, Mzunani Mgwigwi and Nigel Dixon all agreed that Chippa’s move from Port Elizabeth to East London was good for football and the team.
Mugeyi predicted that Chippa would emerge victors in their upcoming meeting with the Cape side.
“Judging by their current form under the stewardship of Dan Malesela, I think Chippa are going to beat Ajax,” said Mugeyi.
According to Mugeyi, the East London move will still benefit Chippa’s style of play as the city’s climate was similar to that of their other home – Port Elizabeth.
But he warned that although the Chilli Boys are as hot as chilli at the back of their away win last weekend, their Cape opponents were not going to be a walk in the park.
“Ajax is youthful and can run for the rest of the match but my money is on the home side to bag three points.”
Dixon echoed Mugeyi, saying local football lovers will finally have their thirst for top flight football quenched come Sunday afternoon.
The East London move augurs well for the support of Chippa, said Dixon, adding that there were signs of consistency in how the team was playing of late.
“Having Chippa in East London will be an opportunity for aspirant soccer stars in this part of the world to get to see their idols.”
For Mgwigwi, although moving to East London benefited Chippa financially and otherwise, the real test would be the impact they make on the development of the sport in their new home.
“Teams can move from one city to another but what matters the most is the their contribution in the development of the sport in townships and rural areas around the city,” said Mgwigwi.
Chippa chief operations officer Lukhanyo Mzinzi said the recent appointment of Glen Minnie as head coach of the club’s reserve side was to address this question and usher in gradually a Chippa side that favours local talent.
“Mr Minnie is an East London fellow and knows Eastern Cape grassroots football inside out hence we have entrusted him with handling matters relating to our development structures all deserving youngsters of this province,” Mzinzi said.
Mgwigwi said: “If any club does not become part of the community from which they play their home matches, then whichever city the club calls home becomes meaningless.”
Chippa are currently seventh on the log standings with 19 points from 14 outings.
Ajax, with one match less are positioned 12th and three points behind the Chilli Boys. — zingisam@dispatch.co.za
Chilli Boys will prove too hot for Ajax say EC legends
Former Bush Bucks stars William Mugeyi, Mzunani Mgwigwi and Nigel Dixon all agreed that Chippa’s move from Port Elizabeth to East London was good for football and the team.
Mugeyi predicted that Chippa would emerge victors in their upcoming meeting with the Cape side.
“Judging by their current form under the stewardship of Dan Malesela, I think Chippa are going to beat Ajax,” said Mugeyi.
According to Mugeyi, the East London move will still benefit Chippa’s style of play as the city’s climate was similar to that of their other home – Port Elizabeth.
But he warned that although the Chilli Boys are as hot as chilli at the back of their away win last weekend, their Cape opponents were not going to be a walk in the park.
“Ajax is youthful and can run for the rest of the match but my money is on the home side to bag three points.”
Dixon echoed Mugeyi, saying local football lovers will finally have their thirst for top flight football quenched come Sunday afternoon.
The East London move augurs well for the support of Chippa, said Dixon, adding that there were signs of consistency in how the team was playing of late.
“Having Chippa in East London will be an opportunity for aspirant soccer stars in this part of the world to get to see their idols.”
For Mgwigwi, although moving to East London benefited Chippa financially and otherwise, the real test would be the impact they make on the development of the sport in their new home.
“Teams can move from one city to another but what matters the most is the their contribution in the development of the sport in townships and rural areas around the city,” said Mgwigwi.
Chippa chief operations officer Lukhanyo Mzinzi said the recent appointment of Glen Minnie as head coach of the club’s reserve side was to address this question and usher in gradually a Chippa side that favours local talent.
“Mr Minnie is an East London fellow and knows Eastern Cape grassroots football inside out hence we have entrusted him with handling matters relating to our development structures all deserving youngsters of this province,” Mzinzi said.
Mgwigwi said: “If any club does not become part of the community from which they play their home matches, then whichever city the club calls home becomes meaningless.”
Chippa are currently seventh on the log standings with 19 points from 14 outings.
Ajax, with one match less are positioned 12th and three points behind the Chilli Boys. — zingisam@dispatch.co.za
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