East London soccer fans are in for a double treat with two Premier Soccer League matches as Chippa United brings two of their home games to the city.
The Chilli Boys are set to host MTN8 runners-up Cape Town City on Sunday in a league match at Sisa Dukashe Stadium and yesterday the Daily Dispatch received confirmation they will also host African champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the NU2 venue on October 27th.
Chippa’s caretaker coach, Teboho Moloi, said Sundowns hated playing in East London, and bringing their first round of competition to Sisa Dukushe would work to the Chilli Boys’ favour.
Moloi, who recently took over from sacked Dan “Dance” Malesela, said he was excited to meet Sundowns at Sisa Dukashe.
“I don’t care where we play Sundowns. Whether it’s in Port Elizabeth or East London, I’m happy.
“But I’m delighted we going to play them at Sisa because the crowd there is closer to the pitch, the atmosphere is electrifying, plus the fans here at home always come in their numbers.”
Moloi said the boys had been training very hard for a full two weeks now, and he was impressed with the way they had been conducting themselves at training.
“They are willing to work extra hard and learn as they are going through this difficult training process.
“You’ll understand the way they have been playing for two years and knocking the ball around and not getting the final product. It’s not easy, understanding that football is all about goals, not about possession.
“But I’m happy that they understand that it’s very important that our supporters talk about our goals and not ball possession.”
He said he took over the reigns at Chilli Boys during trying times – having played four draws, then one loss and one win, but he was up for the challenge at hand.
“I came in at a very difficult time because we had just lost 3-1 at home. So we had to emphasise on playing draws and if we ended up winning it would be a bonus for us.
“But now I think the guys understand how important it is to fight for points during the games we are going to play.
“Since we are playing at home it’s a plus for us, thanks to the supporters, because they always come out in numbers, be it East London or Port Elizabeth.”
Moloi said it was very important to collect all three points during home games, even though they haven’t exactly done that, as they were currently sitting on 7 points, and in the 12th position.
“It’s just unfortunate that against Bloemfontein Celtic we hit a cross bar, we hit an upright, and their keeper was lucky to make good saves. Because during that game we had all the right ingredients to win it.
“I’m happy with the three draws we picked up on the way – even though against Platinum Stars we were supposed to take it. Like during the SuperSport United game in the second half, we were all over them, and during the Golden Arrows game it was just a matter of us scoring goals.
“But now the players realise that if they are not going to play exciting football of going forward they will get punished.
“Away we must play for a draw and at home we play for win. But if away we can get a smash and grab so be it.”
Moloi said Maritzburg, Cape Town City, Baroka and all other PSL teams should never be underestimated, as every team in the league was fighting for the top spot on the log.
“All of them are playing very well. They’re more competitive and there’s a lot of excitement.
“So you can’t look at Maritzburg and City differently, because who ever thought Baroka would at the top of the log this time.
“It’s very important that we treat every opponent with respect off the field. But on the field we don’t respect, we become arrogant.”
Chippa to enthrall EL crowds with two games in city
The Chilli Boys are set to host MTN8 runners-up Cape Town City on Sunday in a league match at Sisa Dukashe Stadium and yesterday the Daily Dispatch received confirmation they will also host African champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the NU2 venue on October 27th.
Chippa’s caretaker coach, Teboho Moloi, said Sundowns hated playing in East London, and bringing their first round of competition to Sisa Dukushe would work to the Chilli Boys’ favour.
Moloi, who recently took over from sacked Dan “Dance” Malesela, said he was excited to meet Sundowns at Sisa Dukashe.
“I don’t care where we play Sundowns. Whether it’s in Port Elizabeth or East London, I’m happy.
“But I’m delighted we going to play them at Sisa because the crowd there is closer to the pitch, the atmosphere is electrifying, plus the fans here at home always come in their numbers.”
Moloi said the boys had been training very hard for a full two weeks now, and he was impressed with the way they had been conducting themselves at training.
“They are willing to work extra hard and learn as they are going through this difficult training process.
“You’ll understand the way they have been playing for two years and knocking the ball around and not getting the final product. It’s not easy, understanding that football is all about goals, not about possession.
“But I’m happy that they understand that it’s very important that our supporters talk about our goals and not ball possession.”
He said he took over the reigns at Chilli Boys during trying times – having played four draws, then one loss and one win, but he was up for the challenge at hand.
“I came in at a very difficult time because we had just lost 3-1 at home. So we had to emphasise on playing draws and if we ended up winning it would be a bonus for us.
“But now I think the guys understand how important it is to fight for points during the games we are going to play.
“Since we are playing at home it’s a plus for us, thanks to the supporters, because they always come out in numbers, be it East London or Port Elizabeth.”
Moloi said it was very important to collect all three points during home games, even though they haven’t exactly done that, as they were currently sitting on 7 points, and in the 12th position.
“It’s just unfortunate that against Bloemfontein Celtic we hit a cross bar, we hit an upright, and their keeper was lucky to make good saves. Because during that game we had all the right ingredients to win it.
“I’m happy with the three draws we picked up on the way – even though against Platinum Stars we were supposed to take it. Like during the SuperSport United game in the second half, we were all over them, and during the Golden Arrows game it was just a matter of us scoring goals.
“But now the players realise that if they are not going to play exciting football of going forward they will get punished.
“Away we must play for a draw and at home we play for win. But if away we can get a smash and grab so be it.”
Moloi said Maritzburg, Cape Town City, Baroka and all other PSL teams should never be underestimated, as every team in the league was fighting for the top spot on the log.
“All of them are playing very well. They’re more competitive and there’s a lot of excitement.
“So you can’t look at Maritzburg and City differently, because who ever thought Baroka would at the top of the log this time.
“It’s very important that we treat every opponent with respect off the field. But on the field we don’t respect, we become arrogant.”
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