Chippa United will be out to break their winless streak in the Premier Soccer League when they play Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium tonight (7.30pm).
The Port Elizabeth side has gone six games without a win, with their most recent result being a 1-0 loss against Orlando Pirates.
It’s been more than a month since the Chilli Boys recorded a victory in the PSL.
Chippa are 11th on the log, with nine points from nine games. To avoid sliding further down the log, tonight’s game is a must win.
A victory against Maritzburg would also be a great confidence boost for the players ahead of their fixture against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.
Although Chippa coach Dan “Dance” Malesela has dismissed the fact that Marc van Heerden and Thamsanqa Sangweni’s absences could have an impact on the team’s performance.
He acknowledges that there are problems in the middle and at the back.
Sangweni is out due to injury and it is said he is only expected to start training with the team next year. Van Heerden is at home due to family problems.
After losing to Pirates in their last PSL fixture, Malesela said his side had been struggling to find a good balance, particularly in the middle.
However, he said his players were slowly getting the hang of things.
“Obviously once the players get to understand each other and understand each others roles, things will get better,” Malesela said.
“Our biggest challenge at the moment is fixing the little errors at the back, which are not necessary at times.
“You need to be confident to play but you must not be careless. A defenders job should be simple. It’s the simplest job that you can ever get in a soccer match because yours is just to mark, win the ball and pass. Finish ... nothing else.”
Finding the back of the net is also another major setback for Chippa and in some instances has cost the team from getting positive results.
Seasoned Chippa striker Katlego Mashego, who has been added to the strike force, could be the player to solve Chippa’s goalscoring problems.
Meanwhile, The Team of Choice will also be out to redeem themselves tonight after losing 3-2 to Cape Town City in their previous league fixture.
The defeat was Maritzburg’s fourth loss in the league so far.
They are ninth on the log, with 10 points from 10 matches.
In head-to-head stats, the teams have met in six league matches since 2012/13.
Maritzburg has won three times compared to one for the Chilli Boys, while two matches have been drawn.
Hapless Chippa in need of win
The Port Elizabeth side has gone six games without a win, with their most recent result being a 1-0 loss against Orlando Pirates.
It’s been more than a month since the Chilli Boys recorded a victory in the PSL.
Chippa are 11th on the log, with nine points from nine games. To avoid sliding further down the log, tonight’s game is a must win.
A victory against Maritzburg would also be a great confidence boost for the players ahead of their fixture against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.
Although Chippa coach Dan “Dance” Malesela has dismissed the fact that Marc van Heerden and Thamsanqa Sangweni’s absences could have an impact on the team’s performance.
He acknowledges that there are problems in the middle and at the back.
Sangweni is out due to injury and it is said he is only expected to start training with the team next year. Van Heerden is at home due to family problems.
After losing to Pirates in their last PSL fixture, Malesela said his side had been struggling to find a good balance, particularly in the middle.
However, he said his players were slowly getting the hang of things.
“Obviously once the players get to understand each other and understand each others roles, things will get better,” Malesela said.
“Our biggest challenge at the moment is fixing the little errors at the back, which are not necessary at times.
“You need to be confident to play but you must not be careless. A defenders job should be simple. It’s the simplest job that you can ever get in a soccer match because yours is just to mark, win the ball and pass. Finish ... nothing else.”
Finding the back of the net is also another major setback for Chippa and in some instances has cost the team from getting positive results.
Seasoned Chippa striker Katlego Mashego, who has been added to the strike force, could be the player to solve Chippa’s goalscoring problems.
Meanwhile, The Team of Choice will also be out to redeem themselves tonight after losing 3-2 to Cape Town City in their previous league fixture.
The defeat was Maritzburg’s fourth loss in the league so far.
They are ninth on the log, with 10 points from 10 matches.
In head-to-head stats, the teams have met in six league matches since 2012/13.
Maritzburg has won three times compared to one for the Chilli Boys, while two matches have been drawn.
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