Chippa up for massive test against Cape Town Spurs

Despite facing a hurdle in their quest for survival in the DStv Premiership, Cape Town Spurs head coach Ernst Middendorp wants to move on and do better in their next away match on Wednesday evening against Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Kick-off is at 7:30 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Chippa are in 14th position on the log and have 23 points. The team lost their last fixture in the league to Polokwane City last weekend and were beaten 2-0 by leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in early March.

The Chilli Boys’ last win in the DStv Premiership came in March as well when they beat Richards Bay 3-0 at home.

Their opponents in this next encounter, Cape Town Spurs, were having a decent run of form after having a disappointing start to the season. Even though they are still at the bottom of the standings, the Urban Warriors have managed to collect eight out of 12 possible points.

Their last match was a dying minute 1-0 loss to Moroka Swallows, however prior to that, they managed to take points off of strong opposition Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch.

WHAT WAS SAID

Cape Town Spurs head coach Ernst Middendorp says that his team is moving forward and hoping for a more “clean” display as they turn their attention to the clash against Chippa.

“I’m afraid that we probably have similar situations, but we need to be focused of course to ourselves and do the right stuff. Be more professional, be more experienced in certain moments,” he said.

Chippa United co-coach Thabo September is staying positive and optimistic that better results will come in just a matter of time.

“We are doing well. This is our second loss in five games in the league,” he said following the result against Polokwane City.

“So we collected five points, it’s going to pick up. In the next match, we need to come in and just win all the games.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Stanley Nwabali, Chippa United - After having a great 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) run with Nigeria, Nwabali has been a hot topic in the Mzansi football space. A clean sheet from him would stand out as the Chilli Boys try to avoid dropping further down the log.

Katlego Maphathe, Cape Town Spurs - Having joined the Urban Warriors just two months ago, the defender has scored one goal so far in the DStv Premiership. He will be one to look out for as he’s solid at the back, but poses danger going forward as well.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS (*Spurs formerly known as Ajax Cape Town)

Season Result Scorers

2012/13 Chippa 1-1 Ajax Qalanto; Khenyeza

2014/15 Chippa 1-1 Ajax Ntshingila; Nkoana

2014/15 Ajax 2-0 Chippa Ncube, E. Isaacs

2015/16 Chippa 3-1 Ajax Zulu, Malongoane, Mlambo; Nxumalo

2015/16 Ajax 1-1 Chippa Nxumalo; R. Manzini

2016/17 Ajax 1-0 Chippa Nxumalo

2016/17 Chippa 0-1 Ajax Mosadi

2017/18 Ajax 1-0 Chippa Mosadi

2017/18 Chippa 1-1 Ajax Machupu; Zakri