Chippa United co-coach Kwanele Kopo believes they have the tools to beat Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup semifinals at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, May 4
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Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
Current form:
The Chilli Boys would love nothing more than to knock out the defending champions in front of their home fans to celebrate 10 years in the Eastern Cape.
Once upon a time.📸 #NedbankCup pic.twitter.com/zcISxltoDf
— Nedbank Sport (@nedbanksport) May 2, 2024
Chippa relocated to Port Elizabeth from Cape Town at the end of the 2013/14 season following their promotion back to the top tier of South African football.
Once upon a time.📸 #NedbankCup pic.twitter.com/zcISxltoDf
— Nedbank Sport (@nedbanksport) May 2, 2024
The club is pushing for a top-eight finish under Kopo and Thabo September, who are on the brink of guiding their team to the final for the second time in four years.
They come into the cup-tie on the back of two successive 2-1 defeats to AmaZulu and Moroka Swallows in the DStv Premiership, having won their previous four games on the spin in all competitions.
The Buccaneers are in a rich vein of form at the moment and they're looking to reach a fourth cup final under Jose Riveiro, who also won the MTN 8 in 2022 and 2023.
Riveiro's side could still qualify for the CAF Champions League as they trail Stellenbosch by three points in third place after winning their last four league matches in a row.
Riveiro has urged his players to keep the momentum going in the final month of the campaign as they attempt to achieve something special.
What was said:
Chippa United co-coach Kwanele Kopo
"We would like to get into the final of the Nedbank Cup, and you have to beat Pirates to do it. So, tactically, can we do it? Yes, I believe so.
"Do we have the players that are capable of going out there and competing against Pirates? Yes, I believe so.
"It's a very difficult game to prepare for because our squad is not very big. And when you have six, seven injuries to starting players, it's going to be very difficult.
"So, we need to go back and reflect, but it would be an important milestone for Chippa United to reach the Nedbank Cup final to celebrate 10 years in the Eastern Cape."
Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro
"We are dominating the games and we are producing good performances. We are in a good space and I think we are in the best moment of the season in terms of confidence, which is key in winning games.
"Let's not stop now. We need to continue until the end. With this level of confidence and the talent that we have in the team, the results are closer for us."
Players to watch:
Chippa United - Bienvenu Eva Nga could have a point to prove against his former employers after returning to Chippa in January following a failed 18-month spell at Mayfair. The 31-year-old Cameroonian striker has already contributed two goals in their Nedbank Cup campaign to go along with his two goals and three assists in the league.
Orlando Pirates - Tshegofatso Mabasa has fit form at the right time for the Sea Robbers, scoring nine goals in his last eight appearances across all competitions. The 27-year-old striker has risen up the scoring charts to challenge for the Golden Boot and is just one goal behind topscorer Iqraam Rayners (14) following his brace against Cape Town City on Wednesday, May 1.
Head-to-Head: (Last Five Meetings)
Matches - 5
Chippa wins - 1
Pirates wins - 2
Draws - 2