Chippa United host Baroka FC in the DStv Premiership at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, on Saturday, as the visitors fight to beat the drop.
Kick-off is at 5pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).
As the 2021/22 DStv Premiership season nears its conclusion, the quest to stay in the top division remains ongoing.
The Chilli Boys are currently in 13th spot on the log, just four points off the relegation playoff zone. Coach Kurt Lentjies and his charges are on the back of a 0-0 draw against the high flying Cape Town City.
Chippa managed to ward off a dominant City outfit on Wednesday night and claimed a vital point in the process. It can be said that form has not been on Chippa United’s side in the last couple of match days as they recorded just one win in their last six league ties.
Regarding their chances at home, Chippa’s one win in 13 home matches does not look favourable either. After the City match, Lentjies highlighted the importance of accepting the point gained as he looked ahead to the Baroka encounter.
“A point at home, we haven’t won in this stadium since 2020,” Lentjies said.
“So that’s a bit of a struggle for us but the guys gave a good account of themselves, very pleased with their performance.
“Lets take the point at home, it's better than getting nothing.”
“You can’t prepare much for the next game as it's in a couple of days, get the guys back up to scratch for the next game which is in three days.”
On the same note of survival, Baroka’s 1-0 win over Golden Arrows on Wednesday provided the club with a timely boost of confidence.
Baroka remain at the bottom of the league standings, however, the victory put them two points behind Swallows who are in the 15th spot.
In their last six matches in all competitions, Baroka recorded four losses, one draw and one win. After their win against Arrows, coach Vincent Kabola reiterated his side's resilience but that from here on in, each game will be a do-or-die situation.
“For us every game is a cup final now,” Kobola said.
“For us to survive, we need to win all four games. Arrows are done, I told the players that they can celebrate but tomorrow is back to work.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chippa United
Beinvenu Eva Nga: Chippa will no doubt look to Eva Nga for goals going into the game against Baroka. The man from Cameroon has 10 league goals to his name in the 21/22 season.
Thokozani Sekotlong: Just behind Eva Nga, Sekotlong is another source of firepower upfront for the Chilli boys. As the club’s assist provider this season (3), Lentjies will look to rely on the midfielder’s creativity.
Baroka FC
Richard Mbulu: The attacker has been a regular for Baroka this season and is among the top goal getters at the club in the current campaign (3). While goals have been hard to come by in general for Baroka, the Malawian now eyes Chippa’s scalp for vital efforts in their bid to remain in the division.
Bonginkosi Makume: The captain’s penalty against Arrows proved to be a vital contribution in terms of the story of their season, as the club will look to his leadership in the next tie.