Pirates outplay Chippa in Diski festival
Chippa United Reserves side was outplayed by a dominant Orlando Pirates Reserve side in a MultiChoice Diski Challenge Festival clash at Sisa Dukashe Stadium at the weekend.
The visitors opened the scoring when Kagiso Madisha scored in the eighth minute, then Chippa United followed with a goal from Cwango Stofile in the 57th minute.
The young Soweto giants also came back with a stunning goal from Simiso Bophela in the 59th minute.
Young Chilli Boys coach Glen Minnie was quick to admit they were unable to tame their visitors or even dictate the game.
“We were a bit out of our thoughts in the first 10 minutes of the game. But we knew how they were going to play, they were going to use the wing backs more. So I said our wings must tuck in with them.
“Then the goal, we allowed the ball to bounce in the box – three of us, but what do you in development? We just have to soldier on.”
Minnie said at one stage before Zingisani Mavi was sent packing after he got a red for a professional foul on Gladwin Shitolo, his boys had better control of the game.
“I was a bit concerned when we got the red card but the boys began to understand and react better to my instructions.
“We played better while we were playing three at the back making sure that we are tight by not giving anything away as we were one man short.
“And I was happy with the way they handled the pressure after that red card. The pressure was unbelievable. And if I were to describe this game I'd say it was intense and satisfying,” he said.
Minnie gave praises to the Chilli Boys first team player he borrowed for the game, Zusakhe Sali, for his stunning performance that earned him the man of the match award.
“It's no mistake that he's signed with the first team, it shows that there's some work that we are doing. He’s a local boy from the Eastern Cape, it's fantastic seeing him.
“Those are the rewards that you get as coach,” Minnie said.
Pirates Reserves coach Michael Loftman said the windy conditions at the NU2 venue required them to play smart and not burn too much energy chasing the ball.
“We had to be smart and control the game by keeping the ball on the floor and we did very well – we managed to score which is very great.
“In the second half we also had many chances to score, we dominated and I think we could have scored four goals at least.”
He said there were key areas he was happy they managed to be successful in like ball possession.
“We didn't give away any chances, but fitness is still something we need to work on. I could see tired legs and cramps in the last 30 minutes,” Loftman said.