Chippa United will take on the high flying TS Galaxy in their next DStv Premiership encounter, with the tie set to take place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Wednesday evening.
Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT (SA, GMT +2)
It has not been easy sailing for Chippa United in the opening four matches of the 2022/23 DStv Premiership campaign.
Other than a surprise 1-0 victory over Orlando Pirates earlier this month, the Chilli Boys recorded two losses and a draw in the rest of their league fixtures this season.
On the back of a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Maritzburg United, Klate has urged his side to make the most of home ground advantage and to show they are not scared of the in-form TS Galaxy.
“They’ve done well, we will have a look their strengths and weaknesses and plan accordingly,” Klate said.
“We respect them but I don't think we should fear them. We are home as well, I think the boys will stamp their authority come Wednesday.
"We must make it difficult for teams when we play at home and take full advantage. Hopefully we can dominate football matches here at home and get more victories, it's important I think."
While Chippa are looking to get back to winning ways, Galaxy are a side high in confidence. Currently unbeaten in the league, Sead Ramovic’s charges have gotten off to a bright start.
Their 1-0 victory over the reigning league champions is arguably their best result of the season so far, recording two wins and two draws in four matches.
The Rockets and Golden Arrows shared the spoils in a 0-0 stalemate in their most recent match and Ramovic mentioned that his side are happy with every point gained.
“We are happy for every point,” he told reporters after the game.
"We will train again and prepare ourselves to have the strength and go to the game with a lot of self-belief.
"Every day we will keep going and we will improve and we’ll get the success because what people see now is the result of the hard work we put in.
"I’m proud of the character they showed and if you see how we train, it is intense and I’m just glad to be the coach of the club.”
In the head-to-head battle, Galaxy hold the slight advantage over the Chilli Boys. In four league encounters played, Galaxy picked up two wins while Chippa United have a solitary victory to their name, with a single draw recorded during this time.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Chippa United:
Etiosa Ighodaro: The robust forward managed to get his name on the scoresheet in Chippa United’s recent 2-1 loss to Maritzburg United. With a slight boost in confidence, Ighodaro will provide the Chilli Boys a strong reference point up front.
Roscoe Petersen: The defender is a seasoned campaigner and will have to contend with a free flowing Galaxy attack. Now at 33, Petersen’s versatility and experience will be vital to his side.
TS Galaxy:
Sibusiso Vilakazi: It can be said that Vilakazi is one of the PSL’s most recognisable attacking midfielders. Able to play in midfield and as a forward, Ramovic can count on Vila’s clever movement in the final third.
Xola Mlambo: Much like that of Vilakazi, Mlambo adds an element of skill and guile to Galaxy. Should Chippa employ a defensive set-up, Mlambo has the ability to exploit spaces in the opposition half.