Cape Town – As the PSL swings back into action after the international break, Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler has his fingers crossed that his team will be able to maintain their momentum.
City take on Chippa United in an Absa Premiership fixture in Port Elizabeth - and it’s always difficult for a coach with regard to how his team will respond after a two-week break.
“For me, I thought the break came at a good time,” said Tinkler. “I thought a bit of fatigue may have been creeping into the players, especially after the last game when we played 120 minutes against Baroka FC, which was a really tough match.
“But, on the other hand, there’s also the scenario where players lose a bit of momentum during a break - so we’ll see how it goes on Saturday. I’m just hoping that we go into this game against Chippa with the same consistency we were starting to show before the break.”
Tinkler was also quick to admit that Chippa would provide his men with stern competition. Chippa may not have won in their last five games, but the City coach has been impressed with the manner in which the PE-based side has gone about its football.
“Chippa come off a loss to Wits, but that was probably expected, Wits will be among the title-challengers this season,” said Tinkler. “Under Dan Malesela (Chippa coach), they look to play an attractive, possession-based style of football.
“It will be tough on Saturday, but we have to go there without fear and be positive that we can get the points.”
While City are in a good space - fifth on the PSL standings and in the semi-finals of the Telkom Knockout - Chippa are struggling to find the form that made them the talk of the PSL earlier on in the season. Winless in their last five outings, they’ll be looking to use City as a way to turn things around.
“The international break gave us an opportunity to go back to the training ground and find solutions,” said Malesela. “We are focused on the next challenge (against City). We need to knuckle down and show the hunger to win games again. We lacked a bit of effort against Wits the last time.”
“We have a responsibility to defend the Chippa emblem and take this project to greater heights. We have reminded the players what they need to do on the field. We are playing at home ... Our objective is always to win, and it will be the same Saturday.”
The Star