Malesela believes Chippa slipped up

CHIPPA United coach Dan Malesela believes his team missed a trick by not coming away with full points from their PSL fixture against African champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday.

It would be fair to assume that sharing the spoils of a 1-1 draw with the in-form defending champions in Mdantsane would be a good result for Malesela, but the coach was having none of that.

“We could have collected all three points,” he said. “We could have chosen the right things to do, even the last ball if it was played direct [it would have been a goal].

“We know Zephaniah [Mbokoma] has got skill, so why try play him in the space. But these things happen and you can’t complain.”

Malesela said some of the players were still learning and would improve with time.

“So by this time they will start gelling and we will find something, but we were also boosted by the return of other players from injury and it helped a lot.”

Asked if the departure of defenders James Okwuosa and Marc van Heerden to Orlando Pirates had an impact on the team, Malesela said the replacements had done a good job so far.

“Them leaving was a challenge and obviously we had some uncertainty. We had two new central defenders against Sundowns who did very well under the circumstances.

“I always like these challenges. I thrive under challenges and finding solutions. I am always positive that with what we have we can do something.”

Malesela said the atmosphere at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium was “something beautiful”.

However, he also said that had the playing surface been in better condition both teams would have played more attractive soccer.

Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane echoed Malesela’s sentiments.

“There’s nothing wrong with coming to the township because we need to bring football to our people, but the disadvantage is that the infrastructure sometimes lets us down‚” he said.

“We can’t be expected to play football in these conditions. We need to get the balance right. Football shouldn’t be about fighting but these conditions make you fight.

“We were happy with the point in the circumstances. The match was a little bit open but we have to be happy.

“What can we say? Take a point‚ go home and don’t be too greedy. This could yet turn out to be a crucial point‚” Mosimane said.

The draw saw Chippa move into eighth spot with 20 points from 16 games, while Sundowns are fifth with 26 after 12 matches.