Chippa sneak through to second round

LERATO Manzini’s second-half goal saw Chippa United break their Nedbank Cup hoodoo when they beat Witbank Spurs 10 in their last 32 fixture at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium last night.

The victory against the National First Division side Spurs also saw the Port Elizabeth-based team bring a halt to their seven-game winless streak.

This was the first time Chippa had managed to get past the opening round of the competition in their five attempts.

Last season it was then NFD side Baroka who knocked the Chilli Boys out of the tournament and the year before that Chippa were taken out by ABC Motsepe League team Natal United.

Passing the last 32 stage off the Nedbank Cup is another first for Chippa’s coach Dan “Dance” Malesela, who is determined to take the team all the way.

However, the team would have to show more enthusiasm than last night’s performance in their next fixture if they want to reach their goal.

The first half was a boring affair which delivered little spark to warm up the 1 073 fans who braved the chilly weather to watch the game.

There were very few shots on goals from both sides.

The only promising attempt was in the 25 minutes when Chippa captain Thamsanqa Sangweni received a rebound ball which was punched out by Spurs goalkeeper Bafana Nhlapo.

But Sangweni’s strike hit the crossbar and the half time score was 0-0.

It was only in the second half that the Chilli Boys brought out the slick, entertaining football they are known for.

Chippa pushed hard for that opening goal in the second stanza.

With just five minutes into the second half Chippa player Sello Jafta found himself in front of the goal but his shot hit the side net.

Although they managed to dribble through the Spurs half, Chippa could not find the back of the net.

It was only in the 58th minute that Chippa’s striker Manzini was able to open the scoring when he received the pass from Mpho Mvelase and easily placed the ball in the net.

He also had a chance to double the score in the dying minutes of the game but his shot was comfortably caught by the Spurs goalkeeper.

● In other Nedbank Cup matches last night, Supersport United beat Royal Eagles 2-1, Bidvest Wits beat Cape Town All Stars 2-0 and Platinum Stars beat Amazulu 3-2.