Chippa United kick into gear
CHIPPA United coach Kosta Papic relished the chance to train with a full squad of players at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium yesterday.
The last of Chippa’s new signings to arrive yesterday was former Sundowns man Edward Manqele.
The striker’s arrival brought to 35 the number of players in the Chippa squad and the best of those will be tested in the Premier Soccer League opener against Platinum Stars at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday (6pm).
The Chilli Boys have been hard at work fine-tuning their game with pre-season training and friendly games in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg.
They tried out various combinations against PSL, National First Division and Safa Second Division teams in all three cities to boost their preparation for Saturday.
This week, training has stepped up another gear, with fitness levels being tested among all the newly-signed players.
United spokesman Lukhanyo Mz- inzi said the coach was happy with the progress made by the players in the past two days.
“All 35 players in the team are contracted to the club and they are part of the coach’s plans and he is happy with the make-up of his squad for the season.
“The enthusiasm, skills and attack have paved the way for successful training sessions and they are all coping very well in Port Elizabeth.”
Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper and Ghana international Fatau Dauda arrived in the city on Monday, a day before Manqele.
“The new signings feel welcomed and honoured to be part of the team. The players have high aims and expectations, not only for the upcoming season, but for the rest of their stay in PE,” Mzinzi said.
Meanwhile, United have loaned their midfielder, Robin Rhode, to Cape Town-based National First Division side Milano United for the 2014-15 season.
PSL newcomers United are expected to sign former Kaizer Chiefs striker Lucky Khune, who is the younger brother of the AmaKhosi goalkeeper, after he impressed coach Papic during his recent trial with the club in Johannesburg.
United will announce their official squad of players for the season campaign and also unveil their kit sponsorship deal tomorrow.