Chippa out to humble the Clever Boys

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Jan 12, 2018. 06:21

Chippa United will look to claim another Absa Premiership victory in the New Year when they host Bidvest Wits at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 14 January 2018, kick-off at 15h30.

Chippa opened this year’s account with a full haul of three points, as they won 2-0 away to AmaZulu on January 7 thanks to a brace from Linda Mntambo. The victory ensured the Eastern Cape side avoided a hat-trick of defeats, having been beaten in their last two matches before the recent break.

The Chilli Boys have claimed 12 points from eight home matches this season, though their last turn as hosts was a 1-0 loss against Polokwane City on December 16. Chippa’s last home win was in early December and saw them claim the scalp of Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs.

Wits broke a seven-game winless streak, moved off the foot of the table and scored two goals in a league match for the first time since August when they defeated SuperSport United 2-0 at home on January 10, thanks to goals from Bongani Khumalo and James Keene.

The Clever Boys have claimed just seven points from as many away matches this season. Their only win on the road arrived back in October when they defeated then-leaders Baroka FC 1-0 in Polokwane.

In head-to-head stats, Chippa and Wits have met in nine league matches since 2012/13. The Clever Boys have claimed three wins compared to two for the Chilli Boys, while four games have been drawn. The Eastern Cape side has claimed one win, two draws and one loss in four home matches in the rivalry.

When the teams met earlier this season, Chippa claimed a 2-0 away win in Johannesburg on November 1 thanks to a brace of goals from Samuel Julies. It was the Chilli Boys’ first away win in the rivalry and their first triumph over Wits since 2014.

Chippa’s line-up from their 2-0 win over AmaZulu on January 7: Mhlongo, Modisane, Mako, Konqobe, Okwuosa, Mabaso, Mntambo, Lenjties (Mdlinzo 57'), Mbokoma, Mahola (Rakhale 60'), Macuphu (Mashego 75').

Wits’ line-up from their 2-0 win over SuperSport on January 10: Keet, Hlatshwayo, Mkhwanazi, Khumalo, Hlanti, Pule (Klate 90’), Claasen, Gyimah, Myeni, Majoro (Mhango 90+1’), Keene (Monare 84’).