Chippa take aim at in-form Pirates in 'cup final'

Chippa United will face off with Orlando Pirates in the DStv Premiership match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 5pm CAT.

The Chill Boys stretched their unbeaten run to five competitive matches when they drew 0-0 with Cape Town City at home in midweek.

The Eastern Cape-based outfit is placed 12th on the league standings - four points above the relegation zone as they look to retain their status in the elite league.

Kurt Lentjies, the Chippa midfielder, says their clash with Pirates is like a cup final and he indicated that they will be willing to settle for a draw.

"We are looking forward to Saturday's clash against Orlando Pirates. We played Cape Town City in back to back matches," Lentjies said.

"It is very important. Every game for us is like a cup final. So, we are halfway through the season already.

"So, obviously every fixture we have to pick up the points whether we draw or win. Those points are important to us."

Meanwhile, Pirates are enjoying a seven-match unbeaten run across all competitions having edged out Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 at home in midweek.

The win took the Buccaneers to third place on the league standings - a point behind second-placed SuperSport United and four behind leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Josef Zinnbauer, the Pirates head coach, will be hoping for an improved performance against Chippa after his charges were made to sweat by a ten-man Celtic side.

"We have to focus on this week and next week‚ and not the title. Important for us is the recovery now‚ get the players back fresh and we will hope for a better performance in the next game [against Chippa]," Zinnbauer said.

“I think we can see from what’s happened on the field that the players were very tired today. They have played a lot of games in this period – Caf Confederation Cup games‚ Nedbank Cup games and league games.

“And you could see it today. The players were not fresh enough for more. But we are happy with the three points.”

Chippa United: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ayanda Mtshali:The experienced goalkeeper kept his third clean sheet of the season in the league against Cape Town City. Mtshali will be keen to add to his tally of clean sheets when he faces Pirates and help his side avoid a defeat.

Augustine Chidi Kwem:The Nigerian centre forward remains Chippa' first-choice striker despite having netted only two goals from 16 league games this term. Kwem will be eager to repay coach Dan Malesela's faith in him by inspiring Chippa to a win.

Orlando Pirates: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Fortune Makaringe:The attacking midfielder was the hero for the Buccaneers against Celtic as his third league goal of the season earned the team the victory. Makaringe will be confident of leading Bucs to another victory when he faces Chippa.

Tshegofatso Mabasa:The strongly-built striker made his long-awaited return from an injury against Celtic. Mabasa, who has netted twice from five league games this term, will be hoping to start against Chippa and inspire Pirates to a win.