Chippa look to bounce back with AmaZulu win

football27 October 2023 10:35| © Backpage TXT

Luvuyo Memela © Backpage Pix

Chippa United will battle it out with AmaZulu FC in Saturday's DStv Premiership match at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Gqeberha.

Kick-off is at 5:45 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

The Chilli Boys are now winless in their last two matches across all competitions having suffered a 2-1 loss to Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout last weekend.

Chippa are occupying the seventh spot on the DStv Premiership standings - a point behind fourth-placed Moroka Swallows and a win over AmaZulu would cement the Chilli Boys' spot in the top eight.

Meanwhile, AmaZulu are now undefeated in their last two matches across all competotions having drawn 0-0 with Orlando Pirates in a league encounter in midweek.

Usuthu find themselves placed 10th on the DStv Premiership standings - three points behind Swallows and a win over Chippa would elevate the KwaZulu-Natal giants into the top eight.

TEAM NEWS

Chippa duo of Stanley Nwabili and Ronaldo Maarman were ruled out of the game against Stellenbosch due to injury and it is unclear whether they will be available for selection this weekend.

AmaZulu, on the other hand, are set to welcome back Abbubaker Mobara from a two-match suspension, but Taariq Fielies and Veluyeke Zulu picked up injuries in the game against Pirates.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Chippa United head coach Morgan Mammila

“I just knew we were going to have a tough time, but I thought the other players who came in did their best," Mammila said.

“However, let's give credit to Stellenbosch. They were a much better team today, they were more organised, sharper and better than us.

“We lost the game because we were not good enough to win the match.”

AmaZulu FC head coach Pablo Franco Martin

"I have to say again, I don't think it was healthy to play against Pirates today. These players are not machines even though they behaved like they are today," Martin said.

"We will keep going. Another tough game on Saturday, no time to rest, there's travelling in between and no time to prepare but I know this team is going to be competitive again against Chippa,

"Hopefully we can finish off the week with three points."

Chippa United: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Luvuyo Memela: The creative attacker, who has the joint most assists (three)in the league, is set to make his return to the team after being rested against Stellenbosch.

Menzi Ndwandwe: The 26-year-old striker will be oozing with confidence after scoring his first goal for Chippa against Stellies and he will now look to inspire his side to a win over AmaZulu.

AmaZulu: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Riaan Hanamub: The quality left-back is a key component of the AmaZulu defence having helped the team keep two clean sheets against the two Soweto giants Chiefs and Pirates.

Celimpilo Ngema: The diminutive attacking midfielder has shown that he has the ability to make AmaZulu tick and he could be key to a victory over the Chilli Boys.

Head-to-Head

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2018/19 Chippa 0-1 AmaZulu Ncube

2018/19 AmaZulu 0-1 Chippa Mbenyane

2019/20 AmaZulu 0-2 Chippa Twala 2

2019/20 Chippa 1-0 AmaZulu Gamildien

2020/21 AmaZulu 3-1 Chippa Mulenga, Memela 2; Nhlapo

2020/21 Chippa 0-1 AmaZulu Xoki (pen)

2021/22 Chippa 1-1 AmaZulu Eva Nga; Majoro

2021/22 AmaZulu 2-2 Chippa Memela 2; Eva Nga 2

2022/23 AmaZulu 1-2 Chippa Zulu; Pietersen (pen), Matrose