Chippa go back to the battlefield
Fight for survival resumes against Celtic
CHIPPA United will resume their fight for survival in the Absa Premier League when they host Bloemfontein Celtic at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium tonight (kickoff 7.30pm).
The Chilli Boys have been on a good run and their last two matches have seen them collect four vital points.
They also managed their first win of the year when they beat Moroka Swallows 1-0 two weeks ago. That victory broke their 12-match winless run.
The other point was secured from a goalless draw away to fourth-placed Bidvest Wits. Chippa’s caretaker coach Mich D’Avray says those points have given the players’ confidence a huge lift.
“It’s safe to say that the four points in the last two games has been a big boost, both in the form of confidence plus we needed to pick up the points, considering that the teams around us have also picked up points.
“The biggest fault we could make right now, is to think that because now we have picked up the four points that we can rest.
“We have difficult games ahead. In fact, there are no easy games in the PSL, period. But if you look at our fixtures in particular they are a bit tricky,” D’Avray said.
The former Celtic development coach says Phunya Sele Sele are a formidable team.
“We know Celtic very well and their players are very dangerous.
“They are a very tricky team. We know we can beat Celtic but we have to be at our best and we have to be disciplined,” he said.
D’Avray applauded the Chilli Boys’ medical staff.
“They have done a tremendous job, working round the clock trying to get all the injured players ready for the game. At this stage of the season there are many niggles and little pains and aches.
“I don’t think Edward Manqele will be able to make it for tonight’s game. He hasn’t been able to train since the Moroka Swallows game.”
He says the focus now is to get Manqele ready for their away game against Free State Stars on Saturday. The PE-based PSL club is 13th on the log with 29 points from 26 games.
Meanwhile, AmaZulu coach Steve Barker’s optimism has been tempered by the survival task that lies ahead for his team. While AmaZulu are second on the Q4 log due to their impressive form this year, they are still second from bottom with 23 points.
Platinum Stars were in a similar predicament before a change of coach revived their fortunes.
Fresh from a break, Barker hopes his side can find the necessary fire that will see his side survive the direct chop or the promotion-relegation playoffs.
AmaZulu have an important date with Platinum Stars tonight at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu.
Free State Stars will seek their third big result in succession to all but guarantee their place in the Absa Premiership when they meet Bidvest Wits at Goble Park tonight.
Stars have managed two impressive victories in their attempt to ensure they do not have last-day dramatics escaping the relegation zone. – Additional reporting by Khanyiso Tshwaku and Marc Strydom