That is what we’ll look to capitalise on
Beaver Nazo: Prof, the odds favour Kaizer Chiefs going into your quarterfinal encounter against them, due to their cup pedigree, though they haven’t won a trophy in almost four seasons.
Mark Mayambela: Of course, Chiefs is a big team and they have some quality players, who have achieved great things. But when you analyse their team in-depth, you’ll find out that there are a lot of players in their team who are inexperienced. With Itu (Itumeleng Khune) out injured, Willard Katsande not playing regularly, Erick Mathoho injured, they only have Khama Billiat, Leonardo Castro and Bernard Parker, George Maluleka and Ramahlwe Mphahlele as players who have the experience of winning trophies. Then you have players like Bruce Bvuma, Teenage Hadebe, Daniel Cardoso, Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya and Kgotso Moleko…the list is endless… who lack cup-winning experience. That is what we will look to capitalise on. But, of course, we will respect them and, with these kinds of games, you know their supporters will fill the stadium and get behind them. They always give their best, but we also have a lot of players that have been in these situations before – the likes of Thabo Rakhale, Lerato Manzini and Andile Mbenyane, so we see it as a 50-50 game. They are also in for a tough game against us. I believe it’s an opportunity for us to turn this season into a great season by going all the way to win it. BN: You’ve touched on the
supporters factor. How big a role will that play?
MM:
Chiefs have supporters’ branches across the country and they will be travelling to Port Elizabeth. We are aware of the fact that Chiefs always outnumber their opponents on the stands, but you must also remember that the people of the Eastern Cape love Chippa United. You must also remember that the supporters of both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns would love to see Chiefs losing this one because they wouldn’t like to see them lifting the trophy, so they will be cheering us. There are supporters of other teams who will also support us. There are also Chiefs supporters who are based here in PE who are more concerned about where they come from more than their beloved team, and they’d rather see Chippa winning for that reason. BN: Chippa United have never been in a cup final before… MM:
We are aware of that, which is why I’m saying we are looking at turning this season into a great season for us by winning this game and going all the way to win the trophy. We eliminated big teams like Bidvest Wits and Mamelodi Sundowns on the way, so we are capable of winning it, but we have to beat Chiefs first to go to the final. We have to do the work on the field, work hard and plan correctly for them. BN: What would a win for you guys mean? MM: Well, remember everyone will be watching this game – potential scouts, coaches, potential managers. It will give players exposure and it will help the club’s profile and in terms of potentially getting sponsors. It also gives the players an opportunity to be watched by the national team coach. There are a lot of benefits for the club and the players and, of course, the people of Eastern Cape that love this club. It will also generate some money for the development of our youth. There’s a lot that this game comes with. Our coach deserves some credit for taking us to where we are now. He’s been doing great since taking over the reins and we hope that he will guide us to victory. BN: What has the chairman, Siviwe ‘ Chippa’ Mpengesi been saying to you about this game? MM:
He has emphasised the importance of the game to us. It will be really good for us to win it for him and the people of the province. The chairman has invested a lot in this team, financially and emotionally. He does everything to make sure that we are happy as players. It will be a great present for him if we can beat Chiefs, go through to the final and win it. The brand of Chippa United can flourish after this game. It’s for everyone associated with the club. This opportunity may not come again, which is why we have to make sure we go to the final and win the cup for the chairman and our supporters. BN: Prof, all the best! MM: Sure, bhuti (bro).