Chippa United coach Dan “Dance” Malesela says they will be banking on experience to overcome Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup last 32 as they return to their happy hunting ground – the Buffalo City Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
Malesela believed they have good prospects of emerging victors but acknowledged their opponents would not be pushovers. According to him, although the Chilli Boys had enjoyed success in their two league matches at the EL venue, the Nedbank Cup would provide a different atmosphere.
Underestimating their opponents who play in the NFD would be a grave error. In fact, “Dance” considers Baroka as a Premier League side because if the current NFD season stops now, they would be promoted to the top tier.
The Limpopo outfit are currently topping the NFD 2015-16 campaign with 45 points with nine matches to go before the curtain comes down.
“Their position in the NFD log proves that they are a tough side and we do not want to underestimate them,” said Malesela. “We will however be gunning for a win, hopefully within 90 minutes.
“We will try to use the experience we have to our advantage to overcome them and most important for us would be to guard against complacency.”
Indeed the Chilli Boys cannot afford complacency, especially with the visitors expected to lead their attack through deadly striker Thabiso Kutumela who is currently the NFD’s leading goalscorer with 16 under his name. The marksman is expected to torment the hosts’ defence which is not the most solid if their league defensive record is anything to go by.
Chippa have conceded more goals than they have scored after leaking 33 times while scoring 30 so far this season.
For the home side, East London supporters darling Joseph Molangoane will not be part of the matchday squad as he is serving a suspension.
Malesela believes his charges need to up their game, although many are of the view that the Port Elizabeth-based club has been doing well of late, especially in the league. “This is a different atmosphere and we need to adapt.”
Kick-off is 3pm tomorrow.
Dance’ wants his men to outwit in-form Baroka FC in tough tussle
Malesela believed they have good prospects of emerging victors but acknowledged their opponents would not be pushovers. According to him, although the Chilli Boys had enjoyed success in their two league matches at the EL venue, the Nedbank Cup would provide a different atmosphere.
Underestimating their opponents who play in the NFD would be a grave error. In fact, “Dance” considers Baroka as a Premier League side because if the current NFD season stops now, they would be promoted to the top tier.
The Limpopo outfit are currently topping the NFD 2015-16 campaign with 45 points with nine matches to go before the curtain comes down.
“Their position in the NFD log proves that they are a tough side and we do not want to underestimate them,” said Malesela. “We will however be gunning for a win, hopefully within 90 minutes.
“We will try to use the experience we have to our advantage to overcome them and most important for us would be to guard against complacency.”
Indeed the Chilli Boys cannot afford complacency, especially with the visitors expected to lead their attack through deadly striker Thabiso Kutumela who is currently the NFD’s leading goalscorer with 16 under his name. The marksman is expected to torment the hosts’ defence which is not the most solid if their league defensive record is anything to go by.
Chippa have conceded more goals than they have scored after leaking 33 times while scoring 30 so far this season.
For the home side, East London supporters darling Joseph Molangoane will not be part of the matchday squad as he is serving a suspension.
Malesela believes his charges need to up their game, although many are of the view that the Port Elizabeth-based club has been doing well of late, especially in the league. “This is a different atmosphere and we need to adapt.”
Kick-off is 3pm tomorrow.
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