Chippa United captain James Okwuosa is targeting three points against another of the Absa Premiership’s big guns when the Chilli Boys face Orlando Pirates at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth today.
Chippa have been ruthless against the so-called big teams this season. They have beaten the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits.
The Chilli Boys defeated Amakhosi in a PSL clash by a solitary Mark Mayambela strike in December. They also knocked Sundowns out in the last 16 of the Telkom Knockout, via Paseka Mako’s goal.
Samuel Julies was the hero for the Chilli Boys when he notched up a brace against champions Wits at Bidvest Stadium in a league in November.
Okwuosa is confident his team can beat Pirates.
“We are ready for Pirates and we know they are not an easy team to play against, but we are well prepared,” he said.
“We want to collect maximum point so that we can climb up the log.
“We haven’t done well at home in the last five matches, if we are not counting the Nedbank Cup.
“Our secret against big teams is simple; our level of concentration is always high. The guys don’t want to make mistakes.
“I have no doubt that even in this game against Pirates our level of concentration will be high. The guys are well motivated,” Okwuosa explained.
Chippa are the kings of draws this season, having drawn 12 of 21 league outings.
“We need to turn our draws into victories, said Okwuosa.
“It is important for us to use our chances. We have been solid at the back this season. The coach always tell us that we need to make sure that we don’t concede so that we can have better chances of winning games,” Okwuosa said.
Okwuosa had short stint with Pirates, which was unsuccessful, but he doesn’t feel he has any pressure of proving himself against his former side.
“There’s no added pressure from my side. I’ve played against Pirates before since I left them and I played against them before I joined them.
“It is not about me but it is about the teamwork. Once I put myself first then I will commit errors.
“I have to be tactically disciplined and stick to the coach’s plan and listen to my teammates,” Okwuosa said.