Chippa in for Super show in Sisa clash

Top eight spot beckons in tough league encounter

CHIPPA United coach Vladislav Heric expects a do-or-die match when they return to Sisa Dukashe Stadium to host relegation-threatened SuperSport United in an Absa Premiership clash tomorrow afternoon.

The Serbian-born coach said there was little doubt it would be a tough encounter against Matsatsantsa, and they would be treating the clash like a cup final.

They were in a tight spot, he added, but had no one but themselves to blame for the fact they were fighting for a position in the top eight.

“We dropped points against Ajax Cape Town mainly,” said Heric. “Now we’ve dropped another two [against Bloemfontein Celtic]. But we were the better team in both games.

“We were supposed to win one of those two games to get more time and more peaceful games, and now the gap for the top eight is narrower.

“It’s like they are fighting to skip relegation and we are fighting for the top eight.”

Heric said getting to Polokwane City would also be difficult, but a win was not impossible as they were playing much better football now.

“We just need to take more shots, make more appearance in the box and do more execution. More goals must be scored. But we’re creating nice action in zone three.

“We dominated in both games – even against Chiefs we dominated. But this domination means nothing if we don’t materialise the good runs and good tactical discipline.”

The Serb was happy with the contribution of senior players such as trickster Mark Mayambela, and was relieved at the return of Mxolisi Machupu, who was very useful in the clashes with Kaizer Chiefs and Ajax.

“I believe in this game he will bring more shots. And luckily we’ll have Mxolisi – I also believe he’s going to make some good input.

“We have better input from senior players now – they show that they are responsible during the games, like Mark [Mayambela], Kurt Lentjies and others.

“They are fully dedicated to the job at hand and we appreciate the guys’ loyalty. We are also very happy we are playing at the Sisa Dukashe.”

Heric commented that returning to Sisa Dukashe stadium was a huge boost to his players as they get much needed support from the East London crowd.

“Sisa is our heart – our 12th-man is always present, and there’s tremendous support there for my guys.

“They give energy and extra power to my players, so I’m very glad that we are going there.

“We’ll see next season when to host more games this side.”

Heric said even though he was satisfied with being positioned at seventh spot on the table with 35 points, he still needed to caution the players about being complacent.

“We must be alert because the log is narrow. The people behind us have easier games than we have.

“We are facing two teams that are fighting for their lives now.

“It’s going to be very tough, as you could see during the week SuperSport giving a very big fight to Free State Stars.

“They were all over them in the last 15-20 minutes and I expect the same approach from SuperSport – they have brilliant players.

“They are not relegation material, they are one of the best teams in the country in a crucial position.

“But I’m positive, and I believe that my players will rise to the occasion and do the job.”

Chilli Boys have recently signed two players from National First Division side Cape Town All Stars – attacker Ruzaigh Gamildien and centre-back Nathan Gertse.

The match at the Sisa kicks off at 3pm tomorrow. Dukashe