The Betway Premiership spotlight shines brightly on the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this weekend as a crucial top-eight battle unfolds.
Ninth-placed Chippa United are set to welcome eighth-placed Kaizer Chiefs in a fixture laden with significance for both sides’ seasonal ambitions.
Buoyed by reaching the Nedbank Cup final courtesy of a late Ashley Du Preez strike, Kaizer Chiefs now swiftly redirect their attention to their upcoming clash in the South African topflight.
The aftermath of their sensational 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final has injected a surge of confidence into the Amakhosi players who will no doubt be after maximum points.
Read: Samkelo Zwane Eyes Historic Nedbank Cup Triumph to End Kaizer Chiefs’ Trophy Drought
Speaking to the media, Chiefs defender Given Msimango offered a glimpse into the team’s mindset as they gear up for the Chilli boys.
“The mood in the camp is incredibly focused and positive,” Msimango asserted. There’s a real sense of unity and strong belief amongst the squad. We all understand what it takes and we are looking forward to work hard everyday you know and prepare ourselves mentally, physically and tactically for the challenge that lies ahead.”
Msimango’s personal confidence further underscores the positive atmosphere within the Chiefs’ ranks. “Well, personally, you know I’m in a good space,” he shared.
“I’ve been putting in the hard work on and off the pitch and I feel confident in my contribution to the team. It’s always about improving you know, staying consistent and I believe that the focus is starting to show on my performances.”
However, the Glamour Boys are under no illusion about the challenge that awaits them in Thabo Septermber & Co. Msimango offered a respectful assessment of their opponents, stating, “Chippa United are [a] very competitive side, very structured and very disciplined. We faced them before in the league and we’ve come victorious and we faced them in the cup as well you know and we managed to get one over them.
But that doesn’t take away that we demand and we expect full concentration from the guys. We have studied them again, we are ready to match their energy and intensity on the day.” This acknowledgement of Chippa’s strengths highlights the fierce contest, expected in Gqeberha this weekend.
“To the Amakhosi supporters, you know, I’d like to invite you all to join us this Saturday, at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Let’s fill the stands, let’s create an unforgettable atmosphere. Your voices are our fuel guys. You know, without you, we are nothing,” he concluded.
The Glamour Boys hold a single-point advantage over the Chilli Boys, adding immediate intrigue to Saturday’s clash. However, a key factor that amplifies the stakes is that Chippa United have two games in hand over their Soweto counterparts. Kick off in Gqerbha is set for 17:30 on Saturday, 19 April 2025.