Chippa United head coach Sinethemba Badela expressed pride in his team’s disciplined display during their 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership season opener.
The match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium saw Arthur Sales put the Brazilians ahead in the 32nd minute, but Khaya Mfecane leveled the score in the 65th, securing a hard-fought point for the hosts.
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In what was his first outing as a top-flight coach, Badela hailed the result as a strong start against a heavily favored opponent. Post-match, he shared how tactical discipline helped Chippa contain the reigning giants.
He said on SuperSport: “I thought the team played very well and I don’t like to single out individuals, but I think everyone stuck to the game plan.
“We struggled a little bit in the first half with the overload with Fawaaz Basadien sometimes coming inside and going outside with Marcelo Allende and Arthur Sales making it a three versus two on the side.
“We struggled a little bit because we were not really prepared for that. We prepared for an overload with a very aggressive Zuko Mdunyelwa on the right.”
Badela explained that they altered their tactics at half time to help deal with the Sundowns’ overloads.
“We had to help the players at half time but what helped us more was that they changed with what we expected, with Mdunyelwa coming on so the players could adapt to that,” he said.
“In the first half, we knew we would suffer without the ball but I thought we had two chances on the transition and we also had two set pieces, but overall I want to congratulate my boys on a very disciplined and good performance.”
Badela will now look to build on this momentum when they face Durban City at the Chatsworth Stadium Kick off in Kwa-Zulu Natal is set for 19h30 on Wednesday, 12 August 2025.