Chippa back in PE after training

CHIPPA United have returned to Port Elizabeth and are ready to take on the second leg of the Premier Soccer League campaign after a week’s preseason training camp in Cape Town.

The Port Elizabeth side will be without the services of three key players in James Okwuosa, Marc van Heerden and Thembnkosi Lorch, who have gone to Soweto giants Orlando Pirates going into the second half of the season.

Chilli Boys boss Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi confirmed early this week that Lorch, who was on loan at Chippa, had been recalled by Pirates.

Okwuosa and Van Heerden are part of a swap deal which will see the return of Nkosinathi Mthiyane and the addition of new signings Justice Chabalala, Donald Mokondela and Sello Japhta.

Coach David Malesela said: “The camp was good, I think we have achieved what we wanted to achieve.

“Our objective was to look at our endurance, have matches to play and look at [injured] players’ [response] to training.

“We have found all of those things and we know what to do and what not to do.

“We also had motivational exercises which helped.”

Despite the return of Andile Mbenyane and Rhulani Manzini – out of action since September due to injury – Chippa still face fresh injury worries.

Vusumzi Mcube was also injured, Malesela said, and Lerato Manzine had a fresh injury.

“Rhulani and Andile have recovered and all the other players who were injured are back training with the team.”

Chippa are 11th on the log with 16 points from 14 games.

They are just four points away from the relegation zone.

They host struggling Baroka in their return league match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on February 7.