Larsen plans to put smiles on fans’ faces

Chippa United coach Clinton Larsen plans to light up Mdantsane when the team play SuperSport United in an Absa Premiership fixture at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Sunday (3.30pm).

The Chilli Boys last played at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on January 4, when they lost 1-0 to Bloemfontein Celtic.

The trip to East London will be Larsen’s first visit in Chippa colours and one which he says he is looking forward to.

“Sunday’s game is very important for us because it’s been a while now since the team played in East London and everyone is looking forward to seeing the team perform,” Larsen said.

“It’s a game where the players, technical team and myself are looking forward to putting smiles on their faces.

“We have done it in PE and we would like to do it in East London now.”

After struggling to get good results in 11 attempts, Chippa have managed to stay unbeaten in six matches since Larsen took over two months ago.

Larsen said the confidence of players was pretty high after the turnaround.

Chippa will be without inspirational midfielder Andile Mbenyane, who is still serving a ban after he receiving a red card in the Nedbank Cup fixture against National First Division side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.

However, Larsen is happy to welcome back Mark Mayambela from suspension.

“Daine Klate has a little bit of a knock so he won’t be available for this game but everyone else is available now,” he said.

“Even Rhulani Manzini, who missed two matches, is back from injury. “Preparations are normal. “Every game we prepare with the same professionalism, intensity and the seriousness in our approach.

“We have many targets so we want to try to make sure that with every game we play, we put something on the board whether it’s a win or draw.

“In the process it will allow us to get out of the bottom four.”

Chippa are 14th on the log, with only a point separating them from 15th placed Free State Stars.

However, Larsen said he was not too bothered with the log standings.

“As long as we achieve our small targets the rest will take care of itself.

“The table is going to change all the time.

“Results are important, so I would be happy if we get something out of every game.

“We have nine games left, if we can get something out from every game it means we will be well out of the relegation zone. “So that is our main focus. “We cannot focus too much on other teams’ results, we just have to worry about our own team.”