Chippa United coach Eric Tinkler will not only be looking for positive results against Free State Stars, but wants his players to score goals when the two sides meet on Wednesday night in an Absa Premiership fixture, at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (7.30pm).
Tinkler has only one win from the three matches he has been in charge of since taking over from Dan “Dance” Malesela at the Port Elizabeth-based professional side, and will be looking to increase that tally on Wednesday night against Stars.
He lost 2-1 against his former side SuperSport United in his first task at the Chilli Boys camp, and that result was followed by a 1-0 win against Baroka FC at East London’s Sisa Dukashe Stadium.
Their recent result is a goalless draw against Golden Arrows.
Despite the stalemate the former Bafana Bafana star applauded his team’s backline, but said they needed to keep to that form.
“It is very important that we remain consistent in terms of our defence. This week we have primarily worked on our competitive play. We look to score goals,” the coach said.
“When we analysed our previous game we noticed that we created many chances, in particular in the first half. What we need to do now is try to capitalise from those chances and make sure that we do score.
“That obviously helps you in the second half as it takes a lot of pressure off you.”
The former Orlando Pirates player and mentor said he was happy to welcome back some of his key players from injury.
He is adamant that his players will get that second win of the season, more so that they are playing at home.
“The preparations have been quite good. The wind is not very friendly, and obviously that messes up the training in terms of achieving certain objects.
“Certain players have come back from injury ... Mark Mayambela, Diane Klate and Buyani Sali ... they are all back and ready to play.
“It’s very important for us to get a positive result against Free State Stars,” said Tinkler.
“I think the league itself has shown that any team can beat any team. Gone are the days where you would literally guarantee points here or there. That does not exist anymore.
“You have to work hard for every point.
“A win is key for us, especially at home. I know the record of Chippa, especially here in PE, is not good. We want to change that.
“This needs to be our parcel and we need to defend our parcel.”
Chippa are 14th on the log with five points from six matches.
Although they are positioned eighth on the log the Stars have not had the best start to the season.
The Bethlehem side have one win under their belt, which they claimed against Highlands Park after beating them 1-0.
The visitors played to a goalless draw against Baroka FC in their last league fixture.
They will also be chasing for points on Wednesday night...