Kopo pleased with Chippa’s start to Betway Prem campaign

Chippa United coach Kwanele Kopo is hoping to maintain a solid start to the 2024/25 Betway Premiership campaign as they prepare to take on Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm (CAT, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Babina Noko commenced their 24/25 league campaign on a positive note, following a 1-0 win against Magesi on the 18th of September. Clinten Larsen’s side proved to be a tough nut to crack defensively, as Andy Boyeli’s goal on the stroke of halftime separated the two teams in Polokwane.

Sekhukhune then carried on in their winning ways when they bagged a 2-1 win against Lunda Sul in a CAF Confederations Cup, second preliminary tie at the Peter Mokaba Stadium this past Saturday.

Despite Sekhukhune getting the victory on the day, Lunda Sul eventually advanced to the next phase of the competition via the away goals rule after a 2-2 aggregate score across two legs.

As for Chippa, the Eastern Cape outfit suffered a 2-1 loss against Orlando Pirates in their first league assignment of the season, before bagging a 1-0 win against Richards Bay on the 21st of September.

WHAT WAS SAID

In news that made headlines in South African football this past weekend, Sekhukhune revealed the signing of highly rated midfielder Sipho Mbule. Reflecting on the move, Babina Noko coach Lehlohonolo Seema feels that the skillful star can only help the club in the long run.

“Look, I think it is a good acquisition for the club and he comes with a lot of experience. And he is one guy that when he is on song he can help the team and turn the tables,” Seema said.

“We are happy to have him, we have to see him. He only trained with us once and we will have to see how far he is. He has to understand the way we play but we are very pleased to have him.”

With the Babina Noko tie in view, Chippa United coach Kwanele Kopo expressed his delight at his team’s progress this season following the Chilli Boys victory over Richards Bay this past weekend.

“If we can get past this four games, the next two games in the seven days, then we’ll be able to settle more,” Kopo said.

“It’s a good start from two games to get three points having played Pirates. We’ll go and rest, we’ll travel and then do analysis.

“Our training is our analysis, we have to do analysis for Sekhukhune, one day to prepare and then play.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sekhukhune United: Sipho Mbule – Known to be one of the most skilful midfielders in South Africa currently, Mbule joined Babina Noko with much expectation. Expected to form part of Seema’s side on Wednesday, the ex-SuperSport United star will no doubt bring the x-factor to the Sekhukhune midfield department.

Chippa United: Andile Jali – The robust midfielder got the 24/25 season off on a swift note, particularly after getting his name on the scoresheet against Orlando Pirates in stunning fashion. Jali will be crucial to Chippa’s progress this season and will be tasked to navigate matters in the middle of the park, especially against technically sound teams such as Sekhukhune United.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Last five league results

2021/22 Chippa United 0-0 Sekhukhune United

2022/23 Chippa United 1-0 Sekhukhune United

2022/23 Sekhukhune United 1-1 Chippa United

2023/24 Sekhukhune United 2-0 Chippa United

2023/24 Chippa United 0-1 Sekhukhune United