Chippa United coach Thabo September expressed that his side will have to get back to winning ways in the Betway Premiership this weekend when the Chilli Boys take on Richards Bay at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday night.
Kick-off is at 8:00pm (CAT, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
Richards Bay’s performances have gone somewhat under the radar during the month of February and head into their latest game unbeaten in their last four league ties.
Prior to their 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch FC last week, The Natal Rich Boyz bagged back-to-back wins against Marumo Gallants and Polokwane City respectively.
Richards Bay currently occupy 13th on the log, while Chippa linger in 9th place after 17 matches played.
While Richards Bay bask in their unbeaten form, the Chilli Boys have been largely inconsistent of late. Chippa recorded two wins and three losses in their last five matches, which includes a 1-0 defeat against Sekhukhune United in their most recent league assignment.
WHAT WAS SAID
Chippa United mentor Thabo September hopes that his side can return to the winning column this weekend after a largely disappointing game against Babina Noko last time out.
"That's one thing that we've been doing well, it's the bouncing back, it's just the consistency but the bouncing back we have been doing that,” September said.
“I think probably only two times this season where after losing a game, we lost a game but we've been doing well.
“We look forward now to playing a Richards Bay that also has picked up and are playing good football, good speed. So, we look forward to doing well when we play them."
🚨Next Match🚨
— Chippa United FC (@ChippaUnitedFC) February 28, 2025
The 𝑪𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊 𝒃𝒐𝒚𝒔 are heading ✈️ to Durban to Face the 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒃𝒐𝒚𝒔 at 🏟️ King Zwelithini Stadium tomorrow evening.
Kickoff is at 20h00.#ThePrideOfEasternCape#Chilliboys pic.twitter.com/Fkf5fEikEL
Reflecting on his side’s draw with Stellenbosch, Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel felt that his side could have gotten more out of the game from an attacking point of view.
“But we fought and it was a good defensive display from our group because, if you look at it, there were not a lot of clear-cut chances and if you look at it, we could have scored even towards the end but we are happy with the one point,” Gabriel said.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Richards Bay: Thato Mohlamme – After getting his name on the scoresheet against Stellies, Mohlamme will be eager to get his name on the scoresheet once again this weekend. With Gabriel identifying that his side could have scored more against Stellenbosch, Mahlamme also has the chance of correcting his mistakes against Chippa United tomorrow night.
Chippa United: Bienvenu Eva Nga – Much like that of Mohlamme, Eva Nga will be entrusted to get the ball across the line on Saturday. The hard-running striker will cause endless problems in the final third, especially when he's provided with accurate service.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last five league results
2022/23 Chippa 3-3 Richards Bay
2022/23 Bay 2-3 Richards Chippa
2023/24 Bay 1-2 Richards Chippa
2023/24 Chippa 3-0 Richards Bay
2024/25 Chippa 1-0 Richards