Chippa left only one more shot at reaching top eight

CHIPPA United are left with only one more shot at clinching a top eight finish in the Premier Soccer League this season when they play way to Polokwane City, at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, in Polokwane today (3pm).

This last league fixture of the season comes with many possibilities for both teams, meaning the game is a must-win for both parties.

A triumph for the Chilli Boys books them a spot in the lucrative MTN 8 competition, while a victory for Polokwane could see them escape the gruelling promotional playoffs and safe for another round of action in the PSL next season.

The last time Chippa finished in the upper half of the log was under former coach Dan “Dance” Malesela when they completed the 2015-16 season in sixth position on the log.

Having said that the Port Elizabeth side should expect a tough match against the Rise and Shine today.

They will have to turn up the heat if they want to bag maximum points at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Early this week coach Vladislav Heric said he had prepared his troops for war against a Polokwane side who will fight hard in their bid to escape a possible relegation.

Chippa had a two week break from action since their 1-1 draw against Supersport United at Sisa Dukashe Stadium, in East London.

The former Bay United mentor said the break gave enough time for his team to recover from a flu virus that had hit the entire squad and the technical team.

“I was against the break because it kills the momentum for the people who are playing crucial games for survival. But I am also happy that we had this break because we had flu all round,” Heric said.

“If this match was played last weekend I don’t know what we would have done.

“All of us suffered the flu, it was something that I had never seen in my life before.