EAST LONDON – Chippa United is expecting a very tough match this coming weekend. The Port Elizabeth-based team welcomes SuperSport United in a must win game at Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Saturday afternoon. One of the players that are expected to play an important role in the match is Thabo Rakhale.
The Sebokeng born is enjoying his game in the Eastern Cape and promises soccer lovers that, as players – they are prepared to fight so that Chippa United can end the season in a decent place. Chilli Boys need to win both remaining matches in order to ensure their place in the Top 8 and also avoid playing play-offs. Playing Matsatsantsa a Pitori is not going to be an easy job.
SuperSport United comes down to East London very motivated after a 3-2 victory over Free State Stars on Wednesday night.
When Rakhale talked to the media, he sounded very confident and assured people that they are prepared to do all in their power to make sure that the team ends the season in the Top 8.
“We are looking forward to the game and so far we have been doing well and we know they (SuperSport United) are coming to this game motivated after they won. We are going to give our best,” said Rakhale.
Rakhale joined Chilli Boys towards the end of 2017 to get some game time after failing to make an impact at Orland Pirates under Milutin Seredojevic.
The fan favourite is doing well under the guidance of Vladislav Heric. Recently he played an important role when Chippa United demolished Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium. “We are adapting to the coach very well so far. If you can see we have been getting good results – even some of the games, we should have won. Heric is a simple coach to work with and everyone understands his philosophy. I started slowly but as time went by I started to jell with players. Things started to be better. Now I am starting to enjoy my game,” said Rakhale
Even though getting a regular game time at Orlando Pirates is what Rakhale wanted more, but the 28-year old says he is enjoying football in the Eastern Cape and wouldn’t mind staying if the need arises. The dribbling wizard also took time to highlight what they have struggled to deal with in this season, especially in the last few games.
“Yes, I would stay at Chippa because I am enjoying my football. The guys have been good to me. Everyone in the team welcomed me. I feel at home here and I am enjoying my game again. For now, I would love to see the team in the top 8. The way we have been playing it’s promising that we can reach it. There’s only one area we need to improve which is scoring the goals. We get plenty of chances but we don’t score scores. In the past game (against Ajax Cape Town) we had about five chances. Defensively we have been good. I can say I am confident of top 8. The spirit is high and we looking to end the season on a high note,” concluded Rakhale.