Chippa United face high-flying Celtic at home
Bloemfontein side sit currently in sixth spot on the log
Bloemfontein Celtic have prepared for a hard-hitting game against a stubborn Chippa United, says coach Lehlohonolo Seema.
The two sides will meet in a much anticipated Absa Premiership fixture at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday at 3.30pm.
Though Siwelele will be the hosting team on the day, Chippa will have the upper hand as the stadium is their home ground.
Celtic were forced to move their fixture to Port Elizabeth because of unfavourable playing conditions at their home ground, the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Siwelele gained their first three point of the season after beating Chippa 1-0 in the league opener. However, the Chilli Boys made a Uturn and revenged themselves by knocking Celtic out of the Telkom Knockout Cup.
“We are expecting a difficult game against Chippa United on Sunday,” said Seema.
“Remember last time we were here they knocked us out of the Telkom Knockout Cup. Now history is on their side because you are as good as your last game.
“We have prepared well for this match. We have had decent results ever since 2020 started.
“Yes, we played against Bidvest Wits and lost 3-2. I think if we can bring half of the talent displayed in that game to our fixture against Chippa, we can come up with three points.
The only thing we have to work on is our defence because we score goals, but we are leaking goals also. We have not yet balanced the equation
“The only thing we have to work on is our defence because we score goals, but we are leaking goals also. We have not yet balanced the equation.
“Celtic have enjoyed positive results this season and will be looking to once again go back to their winning ways against Chippa on Sunday.”
The Bloemfontein side are currently sixth on the log with 24 points and Seema believes his team can do even better this season.
“The league is very tough. We have come here to get maximum points because we are not comfortable where we are.
“If we lose two games in a row it will become a problem.
“We have to make sure t hat we collect as many points as possible so that we can push ourselves to get a better position on the log.”
The coach said playing their home fixture at the Chilli Boys battlefield will not affect their play.
“This season we have more wins away then at home.
“Having said that, of course, we will miss a lot of our home supporters, but the little crowd that will be at the stadium on Sunday will sing and make more noise than the Chippa United supporters.
“So we know where ever we are going we have that 12th man and we appreciate it. Rest assured the players will hear them and they will push for points.”
As part of their stay in Port Elizabeth Celtic visited and gave motivational talks to Gelvandale High School pupils on Friday.
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