Bees star rises to the occasion in Bucs clash
LEADING up to the Nedbank Cup last 32 game against Orlando Pirates at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on Sunday, EC Bees leading goalscorer Bongani Chikila promised to score.
And that is exactly what he did as he scored the Bhiso outfit’s only goal in their 3-1 loss to Pirates.
The former Jomo Cosmos striker is hopeful that the fine display they showed against the Premier Soccer League team will transfer to the ABC Motsepe League as they hope to finish at the top of the standings.
Bees are currently second on the log with 50 points from 21 games – four points behind leaders Future Tigers who have played a game more.
Speaking to journalists after their gutsy performance against Pirates, Chikila said they had nothing to be ashamed of for losing to the Soweto giants.
“I am happy with my performance. Besides that, I’m happy with the performance of the team because we did well as the team.
“As I promised that I will get one [goal], I did get one but as a striker you’re expecting to score more but it’s part of the game – you score some and you miss some,” the 28-year-old said.
Chikila said the experience of playing against Pirates would help them as they look to finish at the top of the league.
“If we can implement the same performance into our last 10 games, I’m telling you we’re going far as the team.”
The amateur players gave a good account of themselves against the big name players of Pirates with Chikila being one of the stand-out players from both sides.
His coach Chippa Njedu was a proud man after 90 minutes. His instructions were simple – go out there and enjoy yourselves because you have nothing to lose, he said.
The reserved coach identified a lack of communication in defence as their downfall on Sunday. He was however happy with the overall showing.
“The game was good, especially in the second half. But we gave them space to play and we gave them two soft goals, but let’s give Orlando Pirates credit – they showed us they are a big team today and we wish them all the best of luck.
“Our defenders were caught ball watching. They were shaky today. There was no communication starting from the goalkeeper but they played very well [as a team],” said Njedu.