Chippa fighting for their lives

Andile Mbenyane of Chippa United

Friday Apr 26, 2019. 10:15

Chippa United will be fighting for their Absa Premiership lives when they host Cape Town City at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 26 April 2019, kick-off at 20h00.

Chippa suffered a second successive defeat when they went down 3-2 away to Mamelodi Sundowns on April 23. The Eastern Cape side has won just once in their last seven league outings and find themselves under threat of relegation.

The Chilli Boys have claimed 13 points from as many home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 1-0 loss to Bidvest Wits in mid-April.

City have gone three league matches without a win after they were held 1-1 at home by Highlands Park on April 23. The Cape side’s last victory was in early March at home to Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Citizens have claimed 15 points from 12 away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 1-0 loss at Golden Arrows in early April.

In head-to-head stats, City and Chippa have met in five league matches since the 2016/17 season. The Citizens have claimed three wins compared to one for the Chilli Boys, while just one game has been drawn. The Eastern Cape side has recorded one win and one defeat from their two home matches in the rivalry.

When the teams met earlier this season, at the Athlone Stadium in December 2018, they played out a 1-1 draw with goals from Riyaad Norodien and Rhulani Manzini. It was the first stalemate between the clubs.

Chippa’s line-up from their 3-2 loss to Sundowns on April 23: Mzimela, Makobela, Modisane, Keita, Tlolane, Komane, Malepe, Gamildien (L. Manzini 72’), Mayambela (Rakhale 62’), Klate (Mbenyane 61’), R. Manzini.

City’s line-up from their 1-1 draw with Highlands on April 23: Leeuwenburgh, Seedat, Cupido (Mthembu 70'), Feiles, Mkhize, Mokeke, Kewuti, David (Links 46'), Ralani, Martin, Erasmus.