Important role for Chippa strikers
CHIPPA United reserve side coach Glen Minnie will be banking on experienced players to lead the onslaught on Mamelodi Sundowns when the two meet in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium tomorrow at 1pm.
Minnie believes the experience of goalkeeper Veli Mothwa, strikers Linda Shiba and Owen Naidoo will be vital in dismantling the organised Sundowns.
Against a high-scoring side like Downs who have scored 17 goals in eight matches which translates to more than two per match, Mothwa will have to be at his best under the poles.
As for Shiba and Naidoo, they have no choice but to do something special if they are to come out of this match with three points.
Besides Sundowns being tight at the back after leaking goals only three times, Chippa have not been scoring, having netted a paltry three goals in eight outings.
Minnie has emphasised the need for his charges to grab the bull that is Sundowns by the horns and bring it down.
This will not only chart a new path for the Eastern Cape outfit but will be good for the self-confidence of the players.
“To be the best we have to beat the best no two-ways about it and we are striving to be the best so we must defeat Sundowns,” said Minnie.
“It is important for us to win this one so we can go into the break with confidence.”
But Minnie admitted that this was not going to be a walk in the park.
“Sundowns are well organised all round,” he said.
“We therefore have to keep our structure at all times for losing structure against Sundowns is something we cannot afford.
“More than anything this match is going to be a mental one but I believe my boys are strong in that aspect so we are ready.”
Sundowns have been on a roll in the MDC with seven wins on the trot, having recorded their only loss against Orlando Pirate in the opener.
But so confident is Minnie that that streak will come to an end tomorrow he is not even thinking about losing.
“We are well prepared therefore losing has not crossed my mind at all. All I am on about is winning.”
The MDC festival starts this morning at 11am at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium when Maritzburg United take on Kaizer Chiefs.
The former, unlike their senior team which is struggling in the PSL, have been doing well at number four while the latter are as good as their Premier League side – blowing hot and cold at seventh place on the standings.
The final match for the day will see SuperSport United collide with Orlando Pirates at 1pm.
Pirates are placed eighth while United are languishing at 14th place with jut a single victory, six losses and a draw.
To start things tomorrow (sun) will be Platinum Stars going toe to toe with Bloemfontein Celtic.
“Siwelele” are in pole position to emerge with all three points if their position on the standings is anything to go by in comparison to their foes.
Celtic are in second place, trailing log leaders Sundowns by just four points and will be out to close the gap while Stars drew and are in 13th place.
To complete the festival Chippa and the Brazilians will take to the field tomorrow 1pm.
Coach Minnie counting on experience
CHIPPA United reserve side coach Glen Minnie will be banking on experienced players to lead the onslaught on Mamelodi Sundowns when the two meet in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium tomorrow at 1pm.
Minnie believes the experience of goalkeeper Veli Mothwa, strikers Linda Shiba and Owen Naidoo will be vital in dismantling the organised Sundowns.
Against a high-scoring side like Downs who have scored 17 goals in eight matches which translates to more than two per match, Mothwa will have to be at his best under the poles.
As for Shiba and Naidoo, they have no choice but to do something special if they are to come out of this match with three points.
Besides Sundowns being tight at the back after leaking goals only three times, Chippa have not been scoring, having netted a paltry three goals in eight outings.
Minnie has emphasised the need for his charges to grab the bull that is Sundowns by the horns and bring it down.
This will not only chart a new path for the Eastern Cape outfit but will be good for the self-confidence of the players.
“To be the best we have to beat the best no two-ways about it and we are striving to be the best so we must defeat Sundowns,” said Minnie.
“It is important for us to win this one so we can go into the break with confidence.”
But Minnie admitted that this was not going to be a walk in the park.
“Sundowns are well organised all round,” he said.
“We therefore have to keep our structure at all times for losing structure against Sundowns is something we cannot afford.
“More than anything this match is going to be a mental one but I believe my boys are strong in that aspect so we are ready.”
Sundowns have been on a roll in the MDC with seven wins on the trot, having recorded their only loss against Orlando Pirate in the opener.
But so confident is Minnie that that streak will come to an end tomorrow he is not even thinking about losing.
“We are well prepared therefore losing has not crossed my mind at all. All I am on about is winning.”
The MDC festival starts this morning at 11am at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium when Maritzburg United take on Kaizer Chiefs.
The former, unlike their senior team which is struggling in the PSL, have been doing well at number four while the latter are as good as their Premier League side – blowing hot and cold at seventh place on the standings.
The final match for the day will see SuperSport United collide with Orlando Pirates at 1pm.
Pirates are placed eighth while United are languishing at 14th place with jut a single victory, six losses and a draw.
To start things tomorrow (sun) will be Platinum Stars going toe to toe with Bloemfontein Celtic.
“Siwelele” are in pole position to emerge with all three points if their position on the standings is anything to go by in comparison to their foes.
Celtic are in second place, trailing log leaders Sundowns by just four points and will be out to close the gap while Stars drew and are in 13th place.
To complete the festival Chippa and the Brazilians will take to the field tomorrow 1pm.
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