Chippa United head coach Thabo September says the Nedbank Cup win over Golden Arrows has given them a much-needed confidence boost ahead of their Betway Premiership clash with Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, February 1.
Kick-off is at 5:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
Current form:
The Chilli Boys are still searching for their first league win under September, who was handed the reins this month after Kwanele Kopo vacated the post at the end of his contract on December 31.
September's tenure began with back-to-back 1-0 defeats against Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs before he picked up his first point in a 2-2 draw with Marumo Gallants on January 18.
The 2-1 victory over Abafana Bes'thende in the opening round of the cup competition last weekend came at the perfect time as Chippa prepared for a busy period, which saw them play three games in the space of eight days.
The Eastern Cape outfit's last league win came on November 30 when they beat struggling Magesi 2-0 and they are in a three-way tie with TS Galaxy (11th) and Gallants (13th) on 15 points.
Rise And Shine have been one of the surprise packages this season, losing just three of their opening 14 fixtures to emerge as contenders for continental football.
Phuti Mohafe's side trail Orlando Pirates (2nd) by just two points in third place after a 1-0 triumph over SuperSport United on January 17 extended their unbeaten run to six matches.
The Limpopo club have played three games more than the Buccaneers though, and could climb above them in the standings if Pirates slip up against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby this weekend.
What was said:
Chippa United head coach Thabo September
"The win against Arrows not only boosts my confidence but also that of the players. It's advantageous for me psychologically to know that I can achieve this.
"I did it with the DDC side, and now, in the top league, I'm focused on instilling my coaching philosophy. Winning instills belief in our endeavors."
Players to watch:
Polokwane City - Oswin Appollis was heavily linked with a move to Chiefs during the January transfer window after continuing to catch the eye for Rise And Shine this season.
The 23-year-old winger scored a quality goal against Matsatsantsa in his last league outing to underline his importance to the team and he ended up staying put until the end of the season at least.
Chippa United - Bienvenu Eva Nga has gotten more game-time since returning to the club from Pirates a year ago, but goals have been hard to come by. The 31-year-old striker halted a seven-game barren spell with the equaliser against Gallants to take his tally for the campaign to three goals from 12 league appearances.
Head-to-Head: (Last Five Betway Premiership Meetings)
Matches - 5
Polokwane wins - 3
Chippa wins - 1
Draws - 1