Sowetan

Two-goal hero Chivaviro ‘ready for PSL’

Striker focused on avoiding relegation

- By Sihle Ndebele

In the wake of inspiring Ubuntu Cape Town to the Nedbank Cup’s first giantkilli­ng act midweek, striker Ranga Chivaviro feels he’s ready to play top-flight football next season.

Chivaviro was the hero in Ubuntu’s come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Polokwane City at Athlone Stadium on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old scored a brace that helped eliminate City – his homeboys from Limpopo – from the Ke Yona competitio­n in the first round.

“It is every player’s dream in the National First Division to play in the Absa Premiershi­p. It is something that I also wish for,” Chivaviro said yesterday.

“I think I am ready to test my capabiliti­es at the higher level next season. At the end of the day, football is about making progress.’’

He continued: “What is nice about playing against top-flight teams is that those games build up your confidence. After winning the game we are now even more confident [and] this will help us in our fight to survive relegation.’’

The GaKgapane, Limpopobor­n centre-forward has nine goals in the league, making him one of the NFD’s leading scorers.

Chivaviro insists his main focus is not on individual awards but he wants to help Ubuntu, who are bottom of the league with only three wins after 20 matches.

“My focus is on helping the team improve. My priority is to play a big role in making sure that the team is still here next season,’’ he said.

After securing their spot in the last-16 round of the Nedbank Cup, Ubuntu hope to build on their memorable victory over Rise and Shine when they face provincial foes Stellenbos­ch in Parow next Sunday.

 ?? CHRIS RICCO/ BACKPAGEPI­X ?? Tiyani Mabunda of Downs, seen here battling with Teko Modise, wants to help his team win the Nedbank Cup .
CHRIS RICCO/ BACKPAGEPI­X Tiyani Mabunda of Downs, seen here battling with Teko Modise, wants to help his team win the Nedbank Cup .
 ?? / CARL FOURIE/GALLO IMAGES ?? Striker Ranga Chivaviro.
/ CARL FOURIE/GALLO IMAGES Striker Ranga Chivaviro.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from South Africa