JOHANNESBURG – Chippa United chairman Siviwe Mpengesi’s trigger-pulling antics has seen coach Joel Masutha stalling his self-made tactics of “beautiful and constructive football’’ into a man who’s merely playing to win.
But many may argue that he is, after all, brought in to save a sinking ship that’s languishing in the bottom half of the log standings.
Furthermore, his predecessors this season, Dan Malesela and Eric Tinkler, were also shown the door after they failed to bring vital wins to the Chilli Boys on the notion of good football.
After starting his tenure with two draws against Cape Town City (1-1) and Polokwane City (2-2), Masutha knows that he has to get the ball rolling.
On Friday night, though, they face a tricky task as they travel to face log leaders Bidvest Wits at home.
“We play the same approach, because we play to win, and we can’t win if we don’t attack,” Masutha said.
“We’ll try to take the game to them. It’s very difficult to play against Wits because you’ll never enjoy your football, because they fight and put you under pressure because Gavin’s mentality is that of a winner.
“We want to move up the log, and we have to get points against teams like Wits. I know we are underdogs, but I am confident and have belief in my boys.”
Although the Clever Boys might be at the summit of the log, their home record has left a lot to be desired for.
In their last two matches, they squandered their leads, thus enduring a loss and draw to Bloemfontein Celtic and Golden Arrows.
Although Wits coach Gavin Hunt and his troops will have a 12th man on the field, Masutha has dared the Clever Boys to come out and play.
“I think the pressure is on Wits because they are playing at home and number one on the log. They have to win, but they must come out and play to win,” he said.
MATCHDAY!!! #AbsaPrem Fixture Tonight: @BidvestWits vs @ChippaUnitedFC
Bidvest Stadium
20h00
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) December 21, 2018
“Obviously, we are not going to sit back. I believe we are hungrier, and we need the points more than Wits.
“Had we been more clinical enough, I think we could have won the last two games, but I believe we are on the track because we’ve been working on that.”
However, despite the imminence of the January transfer window, Masutha believes he has a bunch of “special players” at his disposal.
The last match between @BidvestWits& @ChippaUnitedFC back in January 2018, ended in a 1-1 draw...⚽️
This time around The Clever Boys are securing all 3⃣ points at home! #BidvestWits pic.twitter.com/wWdafryqyV
— Bidvest Wits (@BidvestWits) December 21, 2018
“I told them they are good players – for me, special players,” he said. “So, we must try to do what special players do, playing with confidence and not fear. So far, that’s what they are giving me.
“We’ve got more than quality to move up the log standings. If you look at the players that we have, the table is not a true reflection of what we have.”
@Mihlalibaleka