Chippa United chairperson Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi is ecstatic with the direction to which the club is moving ahead of the crucial league clash against Mamelodi Sundowns at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on Saturday.
Mpengesi told the Daily Dispatch that they were ready for the 2017-18 season Absa Premiership champions whom they last hosted at the NU2 venue last season.
The chair – most famous for being trigger-happy when it comes to under-performing coaches – said their new coach Eric Tinkler was a tried and tested mentor hence he had no doubts about him taking three points against the Brazilians.
Mpengesi said Tinkler’s efforts were evident in the Chilli Boys camp although they were still occupying 11th position on the log-standings with eight points.
“I want to commend the coach for a good a job at the club. Because he’s won two games, lost two games and drew one game, so that’s good work from the coach in the five games that we’ve been with him.
“And I’m comfortable with the position that we are in on the log-standings,” he said.
He said if the PE-based outfit could bag seven points in every five games they play they would be in a good position when the season concludes.
“I’m happy with the fact that we are going to Sisa Dukashe with this coach that we have, because we know that Sundowns has never beaten us at Sisa Dukashe.
“We are looking forward to win that game in front of our strongest fan base and it was just unfortunate that we didn’t win against [Orlando] Pirates. I believe that we dominated the game.
“We were the better team in the game, so the East London and surroundings fans must come in their number to witness another exciting matchup.
“We thought of them and we decided to bring them this exciting fixture, and we know with their support we will be victorious.
“We are playing against the champions, but we are prepared for the game.”
Mpengesi said he was disappointed with the away 1-0 loss to Pirates this past Saturday during the 2018 Telkom Knockout at the Orlando Stadium. But he said the Chilli Boys’ performance during the 90 minutes put a smile on his face.
“I was happy with the way the boys performed because for the first time I’m seeing a direction my club [is taking]. There’s professionalism all round in the team now and I think it’s because we have the best coach in the league.
“And we are looking for three points when we go to Sisa Dukashe. The boys are ready and that stadium is our slaughterhouse hence we’ll be looking for maximum points.
“We are playing a different Sundowns, it’s not the one we know that had the likes of Percy Tau and Khama Billiat.”
Mpengesi said they would be giving away tickets to their supporters and soccer lovers should be on the lookout in the media.
“We want people who can’t afford to pay for a ticket to get an opportunity to see the game as well,” said Mpengesi...