Chippa look to cash in against Stellies

Chippa United will be looking to cash in when they face Stellenbosch on Saturday in the DStv Premiership at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (3.30pm).

The Gqeberha-based side finally broke their seven-match winless run when they beat Maritzburg United 1-0 in their league fixture on Sunday.

Despite having successfully achieved their mandate, Chippa still need to improve on their striking force.

The Chilli Boys created many chances against the Team of Choice but were wasteful in front of goals.

That is surely something coach Morgan Mammila, together with newly reappointed assistant coach Kurt Lentjies, would have focused on at training this week.

Lentjies was intentionally brought back to help Chippa improve their scoring statistics.

Mammila is adamant their win against Maritzburg will signal more victories for Chippa after their barren stretch of results in the top flight league.

However, Saturday’s match will not be easy, with Stellenbosh having faced the same battle in the league.

Before bagging their recent three points against Cape Town City, they went nine matches without a win.

Stellies came back from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 against Cape Town City in a Cape derby at the Danie Craven Stadium last Friday.

After their outstanding performance, coach Steve Barker will want his side to bring the same stamina and fierceness when they face Chippa on Saturday.

In a bid to keep the winning momentum going, the coach brought in SuperSport United winger Iqraam Rayners during the midseason transfer window, which closed on Tuesday.

Rayners, who is not new to the Capebased side, is primed to make his debut for Stellenbosch against Chippa.

Barker said the team was delighted to welcome Rayners back.

“He played a big role in our past success and we are hopeful he can inspire more success in the future now that he has returned,” Barker said.

“He is obviously someone we know well at the club, as we are looking forward to once again being able to call upon him for his quality, experience and proven goal-scoring record.”

The Chilli Boys have also made some reinforcements to their squad ahead of Saturday’s match.

They have signed former Baroka striker Decide Chauke, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila winger Tshepo Matete and Cape Town All Stars defender Thabo Makhele.