Victory a great workout for Chilli Boys
CHIPPA United coach Dan Malesela said their Nedbank Cup quarterfinal fixture against National First Division side Jomo Cosmos was a great workout ahead of their league game against Martizburg United.
The game will take place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium tonight.
Malesela said their 1-0 win against Ezenkosi over the weekend, which saw them progress to the next stage of the competition, was a huge morale booster for his players.
The Chilli Boys have not won a league match in eight games and are hoping their good fortune in cup games can rub off onto their league fixtures.
Chippa are in desperate need of points to stay away from the relegation zone.
Only three points separate the Port Elizabeth-based soccer team from Baroka, who are rock bottom on the log.
However, their match tonight will not be an easy one as the visitors will also be on the lookout for points to cement their stay in the top eight.
Malesela was forced to make many changes over the weekend due to injuries.
Although satisfied with his players’ performance, the coach said there were areas that needed attention ahead of tonight’s fixture.
“There is always room for improvement,” Malesela said.
“We need to work on discipline and patience when attacking and also on positional discipline.
“When we have the ball in anticipation of any breakdown, that is key. That thing when you have the ball and not get lost.
“Not to lose your head and think we have possession and are OK. That part.”
The former United FC and Cape Town All Stars coach said it was good to introduce players such as Zephaniah Mbokoma and Vusi Mcube into the game.
“You want to play these players because you signed them and trust their abilities,” Malesela said.
“They haven’t been playing for quite some time and for them to come in for a quarterfinal match and perform is a good build-up. It’s a morale booster.
“I said: ‘If you want to play on Tuesday you perform in this match. If you want to get to the Orlando Stadium you have to perform in this match.’”
Chippa are 12th on the log with 24 points from 24 matches. Kickoff is at 7.30pm.