NELSPRUIT – Chippa United had little trouble in seeing off Phiva Young Stars, winning 2-0, in a Nedbank Cup match played at the Kabokweni Stadium near Nelspruit on Saturday afternoon.
Defender Ayalela Konqobe put the Port Elizabeth-based top flight club ahead in the 14th minute courtesy of a free-kick, after Mozambican midfielder Luis Jose Misquissone was brought down on the edge of the home team's penalty area.
The ABC Motsepe League outfit did their best to try and break down the Chippa midfield, but simply lacked the experience and know-how to find space to play into as the visitors allowed their opponents very little time on the ball.
Chippa doubled their lead in the 32nd minute when some good build up work down the right side of the park, saw striker Linda Mntambo power a shot into the top corner of the Stars goal-net.
As expected, Chippa were worth at least three more goals on the day, but their strikers failed to capitalise on several opportunities against a hesitant defence that in fairness, did well in playing against top-flight quality players.
Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, Brighton Mhlongo in goal for Chippa, had a relatively trouble-free afternoon, with his rear-guard taking care of the few potential raids that Stars did manage to send towards the visiting last third of the park.
The win over Stars allowed for Chippa to continue a promising unbeaten run which includes four draws and a win in league action, will next be up against Baroka FC in an Absa Premiership match in the Limpopo Province next Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Chilli Boys, as Chippa are known, will eagerly await the outcome of the draw for the last 16 round of cup action with the trophy-winning club set to pocket R 7 million in prize money.