Chippa United goalkeeper Ismail Watenga says competition is high in their preseason camp as players attempt to impress the club’s new coach, Gavin Hunt, ahead of the start of the season in about three weeks.
After Mamelodi Sundowns face AmaZulu in the opening DStv Premiership at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Friday August 20, Chippa will travel to face promoted Sekhukhune United the next day for their opening fixture.
After successfully fighting to save their DStv Premiership status last season, the Gqeberha side roped in seasoned coach Hunt in an attempt to do away with the relegation stress the club finds itself in season in and season out.
The Chilli Boys are in Cape Town for their preseason camp and have been playing friendly matches, with their most recent game against Cape Town All Stars on Monday.
The Ugandan international goalkeeper, who joined Chippa in the middle of last season, has enjoyed working with Hunt.
“Last season was not easy for us,” Watenga said.
“It was a tough season. I just thank God that we made it, survived relegation and remained in the league.
“I can’t say that it was an individual effort, it was team work.
“Now we are preparing for the new season. We are working hard, the coach is pushing us.
“We are ready to fight in the new season and to see us safe and not fight relegation again.
“We are so positive at training because working with a big coach we are so blessed to have him here at Chippa’s family.
“He is helping us and he’s pushing us to see that we become better every day.
“I am sure that is going to help us.
“The spirit is high in the camp, we are fighting to get a number in the team because we have a new coach and everybody is fighting for a place.”
Watenga said it took him some time to find his way at Chippa.
“Everything was new because I had never played in the PSL before, so I started learning new things and the coaches were helping me to improve.
“I am sure I will improve in so many things in the new season because now the coaches that I am working with are experienced — they know the league.
“I am also pushing myself hard so that I can help the team and I also have my dreams of getting better and being among the top goalkeepers in the South African league.”
In the other opening weekend fixtures, Orlando Pirates take on Stellenbosch on Saturday, Golden Arrows play Maritzburg United, Baroka Marumo face Gallants, with Cape Town City playing SuperSport United at the Cape Town Stadium.
Sunday will see Swallows play Bloemfontein Celtic and the final match has TS Galaxy FC take on Kaizer Chief sat the Mbombela Stadium.
HeraldLIVE
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