Chippa return to favourite venue

Published Apr 3, 2013

Share

Cape Town - Philippi Stadium has always been Chippa United’s lucky charm. Now that they are able to take their home games back to the township venue, they are hoping the move will lead to a change of fortune.

The Cape PSL club continues to languish rock-bottom on the PSL log.

Over the Easter weekend, things became even more dire when they lost 2-0 to Maritzburg United.

But tonight could be the game changer when Chippa host Golden Arrows in a league fixture in Philippi (kick-off 7.30pm).

Two seasons ago, Chippa won promotion to the First Division and, the very next campaign, they did the same to join the elite clubs in the PSL.

A major influence in their success was the Philippi Stadium and the fanatical crowd support and atmosphere they could count on from the surrounding township.

On entering the PSL, however, the venue failed to impress the PSL, especially for night games, as the lights were not considered to be of a good enough standard.

The club has worked on this and, last month, the PSL did another inspection of the ground and passed it fit to host PSL games at night.

“It will be a huge boost for us,” said coach Wilfred Mugeyi. “When I came to Chippa, the first thing I asked was why we are playing at Athlone Stadium when we are training every day in Philippi?

“Thankfully, that has now been solved, with the club improving the floodlights. Playing our last few home games in Philippi will give us a huge advantage and a great opportunity for points.”

Chippa’s remaining home fixtures include Arrows (tonight), Moroka Swallows (April 17), Ajax Cape Town (April 24) and University of Pretoria (May 11).

Despite the weekend’s disappointing loss to Maritzburg, Mugeyi remained confident his team could avoid the relegation axe. He certainly wasn’t about to give in without a fight. “We’re not done yet,” he said. “As long as there are games left, we’ll keep on fighting.”

All is not lost, of course. Mathematically, Chippa are still in with a shot at survival, though they will have to quickly start collecting points.

Mugeyi’s main problem since taking over as coach in January has been the team’s inability to score goals.

Burly striker Welcome Qalanto is Chippa’s leading marksman with seven goals this season – and the coach will be hoping the player can rediscover his scoring form on Wednesday night.

Cape Argus

Related Topics: