Chippa’s defence ‘amateurish’ in Leopards clash

Chippa United coach Clinton Larsen blamed his “amateurish” defence for the team’s 3-2 loss to Black Leopards at the Thohoyandou Stadium in Limpopo on Sunday.

Although disappointed with Sunday’s result, the coach remains happy with the team’s progress.

“Everybody wants points for various reasons,” Larsen said.

“Yes, it is disappointing, but when I look back at where we were two months ago to what we are doing now as a team, it’s a huge improvement.

“Yes, we have lost, but there are more positives than negatives to take out of the game,” he said.

The loss was Larsen’s second consecutive slip since taking over as coach at the professional Port Elizabeth-based side.

The result comes after the team’s 1-0 setback against SuperSport United at East London’s Sisa Dukashe Stadium.

Prior to this, the Chilli Boys were unbeaten in six matches.

Chippa are second from the bottom of the log and with 20 points from 23 matches, they are only one point away from safety and three adrift from automatic relegation.

Speaking about Sunday’s game, the coach said: “It was too easy in the first half.

“I don’t think any teams come and dominate Black Leopards like this.

“So, it was easy but we had a chance to go three or four up in the first half and we never took it.

“We conceded a very soft goal. We knew at some point they were going to get stronger.

“It was their home game and they are also in a tough situation.

“They needed to fight for the points. Credit to them for coming back strongly.

“They fought, but it was very amateurish defending from my team.

“I think we all know it, we could have defended better.

“We had a chance to close it with a penalty, but these things happen.

“It wasn’t our day but we will keep soldiering on.”

Chippa’s next game is against Highlands Park at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Sunday..