Mammila relieved to end Chippa’s winless streak
Chilli Boys coach admits pressure was getting to him
After ending their seven-match winless run with a 1-0 victory over Maritzburg United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Chippa United coach Morgan Mammila admits being relieved as the result eased pressure.
The victory against Maritzburg United was Chippa United’s first since they beat Sekhukhune United 1-0 on October 22 last year.
“I’m relieved after so many games [without a win], but people forget quickly that we won four more matches than other teams,” Mammila said.
“That’s football, no excuse. We deserved the win.
“We worked hard for it and credit to the players. Although this win was not for us, I told the players that the victory is for people who believed in us and that we are a good team and we can do well. Let’s go and play for them.
“With the upcoming game against Stellenbosch, we have to go all out and win it as a technical team and players,” said Mammila.
While many expected trigger-happy chairman Siviwe Mpengesi to axe him during that poor run, Mammila said he is one of the coaches who knows how to handle him.
“I’m one coach who is always under pressure, but I’m able to handle him. That one is not a problem, remember ... I’m working for a friend and not just anybody.”
The victory saw the Chilli Boys move to seventh place on the DStv Premiership table and Mammila wants to see the same commitment and fighting spirit when they host Stellenbosch at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the Eastern Cape on Saturday (3.30pm).
“The aim is to stay in the top eight. I mean, some of the teams above us are not winning, but that’s the beauty of football, you win some and lose some,” he said.
“I am a relaxed man and one thing is for sure ... there is an improvement every week. Look at the games against Mamelodi Sundowns, Cape Town City and Royal AM with much better performances, so I’m not worried. I’m happy with where we are.”
Fixtures
Friday: Swallows v Richards Bay, Dobsonville, 6pm; Maritzburg v AmaZulu, Harry Gwala, 7.30pm
Saturday: Chippa v Stellenbosch, Nelson Mandela Bay, 3.30pm; Arrows v Royal AM, Princess Magogo, 3.30pm; Pirates v Sundowns, Orlando, 3.30pm; SuperSport v CPT, Lucas Moripe, 5.30pm; Gallants v Sekhukhune, Royal Bafokeng, 8pm Sunday: TS Galaxy v Kaizer Chiefs, Mbombela, 3.30pm.
We worked hard for it [victory] and credit to the players