Chippa look to keep their heads above water

by Staff Reporter

Friday Apr 12, 2019. 03:49

Chippa United will look to keep their heads above water in the Absa Premiership relegation battle when they host Bidvest Wits at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 12 April 2019, kick-off at 20h00.

Chippa boosted their survival with a 1-0 away win over AmaZulu on April 6. Their longest-serving player, Andile Mbenyane, scored the key goal.

The Chilli Boys have claimed 13 points from 12 home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 1-1 draw with Highlands Park in mid-March.

Wits’ title bid suffered a major blow when they were beaten 1-0 at home by Orlando Pirates on April 6. The Johannesburg side conceded the decisive goal deep in injury time at the end of the game.

The Clever Boys have claimed 24 points from 12 away matches this season, with their last result on the road an impressive 4-2 win at Bloemfontein Celtic in mid-March.

In head-to-head stats, Chippa and Wits have met in 11 league matches since 2012/13. The Clever Boys have claimed four wins compared to two for the Chilli Boys, while five games have been drawn. The Eastern Cape side has claimed one win, three draws and one loss in five home matches in the rivalry.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Bidvest Stadium in December 2018, Wits won 2-0 thanks to goals from Lehlohonolo Majoro and Thabang Monare. The result broke a three-game winless streak in the rivalry for the Clever Boys.

Chippa’s line-up from their 1-0 win over AmaZulu on April 6:Mzimela; Macheke, Nsabiyumva, Shitolo, Tlolane, Lentjies (Klate 82'), Komane, Rakhale, Mayambela (Twala 76'), Mbenyane, Manzini (Malama 67').

Wits’ line-up from their 1-0 loss to Pirates on April 6: Goss, Hlatshwayo, Mkhwanazi, Hlanti, Mere, Monare, Alexander, Dzvukamanja (Murray 90'+3), Ritchie, Mhango (Mhango 67'), Motupa (Majoro 75').