Bees unfazed to go in against hot Tigers

EASTERN Cape Bees coach Chippa Njedu does not mind going into the ABC Motsepe League title decider against Future Tigers in second spot.

In fact, that is how he prefers it as he believes that makes them underdogs which takes off the pressure from his charges.

Bees will host log leaders Tigers at the Bhisho Stadium in what promises to be a nail-biting affair tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

The hosts who led for most part of the season go into the crunch game in need of nothing less than three points if they are to finish as the Eastern Cape winners of the third tier league and qualify for the playoffs.

Luckily for Njedu, he has a full strength squad as none of the players are out with injuries or suspension.

Speaking to the Daily Dispatch at the Fort Hare University Grounds in Bhisho yesterday, Njedu played mind games, saying the pressure was with Tigers. “If we were going into the game in position one, the pressure would be on us but now, the pressure is with them.

“What will cost them is the fact that they only need a draw which means they won't be attacking too much. They will want to park the bus but once we score one, they will be exposed because they will attack us.

“I prefer things to be like this because we will go out all because this is a must win for us. Maybe we would end up relaxing if we were the ones who just need a draw,” he said.

The softly spoken mentor said he was confident his men will be victorious after 90 minutes. And to their advantage, Tigers has never beaten them in all their previous meetings both in competitive and friendly games.

Also, playing at home should also give them a slight edge over their King William's Town rivals.

Although Njedu said he respects his opponents because they are a “good side”, he said his players are up to the challenge as they need little motivation for the game.

“We know it won't be easy but we are very ready for the game. The team that will eventually win will be the team that will go out there and fight but the players are motivate, which makes it easy for us as coaches because everyone want to play in this game,” said Njedu.

“They will want to prove a point against us since they have never beaten us. But sometimes when you want to prove a point in football, things don't go your way.”

The players appeared to be in good spirit as assistant coach Moketi Tsotetsi took them through their paces yesterday.

Confidence was visible even from their body language.