PRESSURE PILES ON FOR CHIPPA
Remaining games now dogfight to stay in PSL
CHIPPA United caretaker coach Mbuyiselo Sambu believes that if his side can show the same aggression they did against Ajax Cape Town, and concentrate for 90 minutes, the team will survive relegation.
The Chilli Boys lost 1-0 against the Urban Warriors at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on Saturday.
Thabo Mosadi scored after right back Mpho Mvelase made a mistake when he played a soft header back to his goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi.
Disappointment was written all over Sambu’s face as he lost his second consecutive match in charge and the team suffered their first loss in East London.
Leading up to the game, Sambu said they wanted to play for passes going forward and score goals.
And while Ajax goalkeeper Brandon Petersen denied Chippa goals, the Port Elizabeth-based outfit showed some aggression on the final third of the pitch and took some shots from outside the box, something that has been missing throughout the season.
“All we’re looking for now is the goals and that’s what we’re lacking now. Again, I think the attitude was all right. We tried and we showed that we want to go for a win.
“So I think it’s important we keep the same attitude, the same thing in mind – that we still must keep making sure we look for those goals,” Sambu said.
“And make sure that we don’t concede silly goals like we are conceding.”
Sambu said they would work on defenders’ minds in training to enhance their concentration levels so as to not concede any more silly, costly goals.
Now Chippa will turn their attention to fellow strugglers Highlands Park and Free State Stars away and the inconsistent Super Sport United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium as they continue their battle against relegation.
“The only thing that can make us survive now is to win games,” Samba said. “If you don’t score then you’re not giving yourself any opportunities to make sure you survive.
“We’re still giving ourselves the same option of winning, because if you don’t win against the teams that are struggling, then you’re definitely going to struggle.
“We have to win our remaining games.” The former defender knows getting maximum points on the road will not be easy as both Highlands Park and Stars are also fighting to stay in the PSL.
“It’s never easy, whether you’re playing at home or away,” Sambu said.
“There are no easy games . . . the same attitude, the same momentum in terms of our aggression towards achieving the goals that we’re looking for – that’s the only thing.
“Yes, it’s not going to be easy but we’re still going to fight,” the Peddieborn Sambu said.
“If we keep on playing like this, then we have a chance of saving the team.”