Chippa United boss Chippa Mpengesi has issued one clear message to his players ahead of their first-ever match in East London tomorrow against Ajax Cape Town, at Buffalo City Stadium: “a win is non-negotiable”.
His instruction to his charges comes as soccer fans in the metro prepare to flock to the stadium to see top-flight finally arriving in the city.
Mpengesi was confident yesterday that his charges would announce their arrival in Buffalo City Metro with a victory over their Cape Town opponents.
In fact, Chippa’s chairman is determined to win over the hearts and minds of all and sundry in the metro.
Mpengesi said he was counting on the likes of Andile Mbenyane, James Okwuosa and Thamsanqa Sangweni to deliver the goods.
“We strongly believe that we will give Ajax real trouble deservedly so, when one looks at our current form,” Mpengesi said.
“A loss or draw for us will not be acceptable I told my players because only a win can be a suitable ... and an ideal thank you to the people of this metro for welcoming us to their municipality,” he said.
“Us coming here has been long overdue because here is a facility (the stadium) that has been a white elephant for too long when one talks about football.”
The maximum points on offer for the home side will be important for various reasons.
Chilli Boys are seventh on the PSL log standings after collecting 19 points from 14 outings.
But winning is not going to be easy because Ajax just happens to be their hoodoo team, whom they are yet to beat after four meetings.
In previous confrontations between the two, the Urban Warriors have claimed two wins while the other two ended in a stalemate.
Offensively, Dan “Dance” Malesela’s Chippa charges have an impressive record as they are currently the fourth-highest scoring side in the league with 21 goals.
However, they seem to have forgotten that defending is also an important part of the game as the number of goals conceded suggests; they are second-worst in terms of goals leaked in the league – 23.
Such a porous defence might find itself in deep trouble against Ajax, with the likes of Prince Nxumalo hitting form again and Nathan Paulse’s reliable aerial advantage.
Ajax will be arriving in East London today. Many are praying that the rain stays away because the stadium does not have an adequate drainage system.
The Cape side are more desperate for the three points on offer as they are currently in 12th position with 16 points.
Meanwhile, the Chilli Boys earlier yesterday donated R25 000 to the Sakhuluntu Child and Youth Welfare centre in Duncan Village currently operating from a shack.
Mpengesi has since promised that the club will build a proper structure for the centre.
“I was moved because that shack reminded me of the one I used to live in in Cape Town and the owner there is doing his best to develop those kids some of whom may be future Chippa players.”
BCM mayor Alfred Mtsi said the club had made the best decision to bring its home games to the metro.
“Youngsters who love football in our metro will look up to you and unleash their full potential,” he said.
“The youth in our metro have been active but their activeness has been misdirected.
“So the arrival of Chippa United in our metro for the first time symbolises a turning point in the development of sport in the province.” – zingisam@dispatch.co.za
Mpengesi in mean mood
His instruction to his charges comes as soccer fans in the metro prepare to flock to the stadium to see top-flight finally arriving in the city.
Mpengesi was confident yesterday that his charges would announce their arrival in Buffalo City Metro with a victory over their Cape Town opponents.
In fact, Chippa’s chairman is determined to win over the hearts and minds of all and sundry in the metro.
Mpengesi said he was counting on the likes of Andile Mbenyane, James Okwuosa and Thamsanqa Sangweni to deliver the goods.
“We strongly believe that we will give Ajax real trouble deservedly so, when one looks at our current form,” Mpengesi said.
“A loss or draw for us will not be acceptable I told my players because only a win can be a suitable ... and an ideal thank you to the people of this metro for welcoming us to their municipality,” he said.
“Us coming here has been long overdue because here is a facility (the stadium) that has been a white elephant for too long when one talks about football.”
The maximum points on offer for the home side will be important for various reasons.
Chilli Boys are seventh on the PSL log standings after collecting 19 points from 14 outings.
But winning is not going to be easy because Ajax just happens to be their hoodoo team, whom they are yet to beat after four meetings.
In previous confrontations between the two, the Urban Warriors have claimed two wins while the other two ended in a stalemate.
Offensively, Dan “Dance” Malesela’s Chippa charges have an impressive record as they are currently the fourth-highest scoring side in the league with 21 goals.
However, they seem to have forgotten that defending is also an important part of the game as the number of goals conceded suggests; they are second-worst in terms of goals leaked in the league – 23.
Such a porous defence might find itself in deep trouble against Ajax, with the likes of Prince Nxumalo hitting form again and Nathan Paulse’s reliable aerial advantage.
Ajax will be arriving in East London today. Many are praying that the rain stays away because the stadium does not have an adequate drainage system.
The Cape side are more desperate for the three points on offer as they are currently in 12th position with 16 points.
Meanwhile, the Chilli Boys earlier yesterday donated R25 000 to the Sakhuluntu Child and Youth Welfare centre in Duncan Village currently operating from a shack.
Mpengesi has since promised that the club will build a proper structure for the centre.
“I was moved because that shack reminded me of the one I used to live in in Cape Town and the owner there is doing his best to develop those kids some of whom may be future Chippa players.”
BCM mayor Alfred Mtsi said the club had made the best decision to bring its home games to the metro.
“Youngsters who love football in our metro will look up to you and unleash their full potential,” he said.
“The youth in our metro have been active but their activeness has been misdirected.
“So the arrival of Chippa United in our metro for the first time symbolises a turning point in the development of sport in the province.” – zingisam@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos