Troubled Chippa enter Leopards’ den
Black Leopards will be out to continue their impressive start to the Absa Premiership season when they take on a team in crisis, a coach-lees Chippa United, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday afternoon, kick-off at 15h00.
After fighting off relegation last season, the Lidoda Duvha have managed to get their season underway with the best possible start.
An impressive 3-2 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic handed them the three points on the opening game of the season, while a 2-2 draw away to Bidvest Wits pushed them to a tally of four points after two matches.
Their start has left coach Sunday Chidzambwa impressed and he believes it is just minor mishaps that saw them concede two goals in each of their two league matches.
“I can say that we started well. The only mistakes we made were the lack of concentration which resulted in the opponents scoring the goals that they did,” said Chidzambwa.
“The boys did almost everything correct from the training ground, it was just minor issues that stopped us from taking maximum points (against Wits).
“To get into more detail, I would mention the fact that against Wits we had a height problem, which is why we could not win many balls in the air.
“Also I think the boys got too excited after taking the lead as they spoiled the chances that came our way right through the game. But these are small matters we will fix in training; it will be not be difficult.”
It as if fate was smiling upon them when they were drawn to face the newly promoted Chippa United in their third game - even more so now as Chippa come into the game on the back of two straight defeats, and minus a coach.
However, Chidzambwa has urged caution: “We do not underestimate any team in the PSL.
“We view all teams in the same way and we shall give respect where it is deserved and push just as hard as every team we play against.
“Against Chippa we will be at home so we want maximum points and nothing less.”
After two consecutive defeats in their opening games of the PSL season, Mr. Chippa was having none of it and sacked his coach Manqoba Mngqithi.
Still, despite the fact that they will travel to Polokwane without a coach, captain Gift Sithole says they are prepared and ready for battle.
“The mood in the camp is ok,” says Sithole. “We are ready to face Black Leopards. It will be difficult going into the game without a proper coach but we have trained, we are ready and we are positive.
“Black Leopards will be at home so they will try and attack us but we will treat it as if it is our home game. We are not going there for a draw, we will attack.
“We will not settle for one point,” concluded the captain.
