Chippa United midfielder Daine Klate says playing a hungry side like Black Leopards will be a challenge but believes the Chilli Boys have the talent to weather the storm at Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Saturday.
Six-time PSL champion, Klate, who joined the Chilli Boys from former champions Bidvest Wits, admitted they have to play catch-up in the log-standings.
The Chilli Boys, who are still without points, are currently 15th on the log.
Despite the challenge posed by the team known as “Lidoda Duvha” Klate believes his team will have the upperhand at the Mdantsane NU2 venue.“We’ve had bad results in the first two matches, the [Bloemfontein] Celtic [lost 2-0] game was very disappointing and that’s because we disappointed ourselves.
“But I do think that the [Orlando] Pirates game [lost 1-0] was a bit more positive.“So it’s a matter of getting our rhythm, because obviously it’s a brand new team that we have assembled and we are trying to get combinations going,” he said.
And, while it’s still early days Klate said the team was keen to use home advantage to propel themselves up the standings.
“We are coming to Mdantsane with a positive mind-set and looking forward to collect maximum at our home-ground.
“We want to try and get maximum points in all our home games but it won’t be easy because Leopards and other teams have opened the season well, and their confidence is high.”
Klate said the Chilli Boys were expecting a tough game from Joel Masutha’s charges.
“We are preparing well for it, and we are willing to work for three points, and the fact that the team has been unbeaten at Sisa Dukashe will help us go into this game a lot more confident.
“Because we all want to keep that unbeaten run momentum at Sisa [Dukashe] and we don’t want to make it difficult for teams there only – but in PE as well.”
And despite the opening losses, Klate said the mood in the camp was still positive.
“Our preparations have been going quite well and I think the team is growing with confidence.
“So with this game we have to find our feet and, of course, most importantly, we are looking forward to entertaining our East London fans.
“We are going to give it our best shot and hopefully the crowd will come out in their numbers to support the team so that we gain momentum going forward.”..