Win sees pressure intensify for Chippa

CHIPPA United coach Dan Malesela says the pressure will become even more intense for his team after their superb 2-0 win over Platinum Stars in their MTN8 debut at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday.

The Chilli Boys cracked their cup hoodoo in impressive style as goals from Rhulani Manzini and Menzi Masuku ensured the Chilli Boys booked their spot in the competition’s semifinals at the first time of trying.

Since their involvement in knockout matches in the 2013/14 season, Chippa have never progressed past the first round.

But this time coach and mastermind Dan “Dance” Malesela delivered on his promise and ensured Chippa are now two wins away from a massive payday.

An excited Malesela warned there will be more pressure on the players now that the team has moved stage.

“Now that we are here, there will also be some more pressure. But you understand that players will be tense and all that,” said Malesela.

“It was a bit scrappy in the beginning.

“The first half was not so good. The plus for us was that we scored a goal – we were gifted a goal anyway. But we got a little bit better in the second half.

“Also with the changes that we made we became a little bit patient and a little more offensive minded. So, it’s good for us.

“The pressure on us was because it’s a cup game and we needed to get to the second stage of the cup which we haven’t done before.

“However, in the end they overcame that and this is the result,” said Malesela.

Asked if his team could go all on to the next the way in the competition, the former Mamelodi Sundowns defender said: “I don’t want to be a prophet but we will give it our best shot.”

The Chilli Boys’ remarkable sixth place of last season booked the team a place in the lucrative competition, where they stand a chance of walking away R8-million richer.

Chippa dominated throughout the game and gave the hosts little space to play.

The first goal for Malesela’s troops came as early as nine minutes into the game through Rhulani Manzini, who scored both goals in the team’s opening league game against Free State Stars last week.

The Chilli Boys controlled the pace and flow of the game, while Dikwena struggled to open the visitors’ defence.

Chippa wrapped up the victory when Masuku doubled their lead with an easy tap-in in the 79th minute.