Baroka out to deny Chippa's Lentjies winning start

Baroka FC will be desperate for a victory in the DStv Premiership when they play host to Chippa United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

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Kick-off is at 5:00 pm CAT.

Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele's struggles in the league continued when they stretched their winless run to five matches following a 1-1 draw with Royal AM away in their last game on November 7.

They are sitting in 12th place on the DStv Premiership standings - three points above the relegation zone and they will be eager to move further away from the bottom two spots with a win over Chippa.

Matsimela Thoka, the Baroka head coach, felt that his charges showed character in their clash with Royal AM and he revealed that they are working on the players' confidence. 

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"The players showed character. We just have to work on the players' confidence. We have to show them that we believe in them," Thoka said. 

"Because you can see in the games that we lost that sometimes they don't believe in themselves, it is like they are playing with fear.

"We are busy motivating, encouraging them. We have a very good team. We will get it right soon." 

Meanwhile, Chippa extended their winless run to nine matches in the DStv Premiership when they drew 0-0 with Maritzburg United in their last game on November 7. 

The club has since suspended head coach Gavin Hunt with the Chilli Boys placed 14th on the league standings - two points above the relegation zone.

Kurt Lentjies, a veteran midfielder, has been appointed interim Chippa coach and he has opened up about his coaching philosophy ahead of their clash with Baroka.

"I know I have to win football matches, I have to set my team up to win football matches. I will set my team up to win football matches," Lentjies said. 

"Obviously, there is a brand of football I want to implement in the team as well. I want to extend my qualities and personality into the way I want us to play. 

"So for me, the mandate personally is to win football matches offered to us to win."

PLAYERS TO WATCH: BAROKA FC

Bayzel Goldstone: The 23-year-old attacking midfielder marked his third start of the season with a goal against Royal AM and it was also his first goal in the elite league. Goldstone will be hoping to start again and help Baroka snap their winless run.  

Evidence Makgopa: The towering centre forward showed that he is not only a goalscorer, but also a creator having provided the assist for Goldstone's goal and he has what it takes to inspire Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele to a win over the Chilli Boys. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH: CHIPPA UNITED

Ayanda Mtshali: The well-travelled goalkeeper has been one of Chippa's few good performers this term having conceded once in three league games including a clean sheet against Maritzburg and he will be key for Chippa to avoid a loss against Baroka. 

Mogakolodi Ngele: The experienced forward, who is a three-time PSL title winner, is one of the most gifted attackers in the Chilli Boys squad, but he is yet to score this term. Coach Lentjies could look to him to lead the Chilli Boys' resurgence.