Chippa look to keep up strong form

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Feb 22, 2019. 06:04

Chippa United will look to keep up their strong form in the Absa Premiership when they host Golden Arrows at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 22 February 2019, kick-off at 20h00.

Chippa claimed their first away win of the season when they defeated Free State Stars 2-0 on February 9, thanks to goals from Rhulani Manzini and Kurt Lentjies. The Eastern Cape side has taken seven points from the last nine available.

The Chilli Boys have claimed 11 points from nine home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 2-0 win over Maritzburg United on January 19.

Arrows suffered their first league defeat of 2019 when they were beaten 3-2 at home by SuperSport United on February 10. The Durban side fought back from 0-2 down to level the game, but conceded a late goal to register their sixth loss of the season.

Abafana Bes’thende have claimed 10 points from as many away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 1-1 draw at Black Leopards on January 19.

In head-to-head stats, Arrows and Chippa have met in nine league matches since 2012/13. Abafana Bes’thende have claimed three wins compared to one for the Chilli Boys, while five matches have ended in draws. The Eastern Cape side has yet to win a match as hosts in the rivalry, with three draws and one defeat.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Princess Magogo Stadium in September 2018, they played to a goalless stalemate. It was the fourth successive draw in matches between Chippa and Arrows.

Chippa’s line-up from their 2-0 win over Stars on February 9: Mzimela, Nsabiyumva, Macheke, Mayambela (Rakhale 65'), Shitolo, Gamildien (Mbenyane 61'), Tlolane, Komane, Malepe, Lentjies, R.Manzini (Makobela 70').

Arrows’ line-up from their 3-2 loss to SuperSport on February 10: Gumede, Sibisi, Dube (Sabelo 59'), Lunga, Mathiane, Phiri, Venter, Jooste (Bilankulu 33'), Parusnath (Conco 77'), Lamola, Mutizwa.