Chippa United defender Justice Chabalala says there is a feeling of relief in the squad at being able to play the last match of the DStv Premiership season without the relegation axe hanging over their heads.
Unlike in previous seasons, the Gqeberha side go into their 30th league fixture against Sekhukhune United at the Buffalo City Stadium (3pm) free of worries.
Chabalala said players would walk onto the field with a sense of freedom.
The Chilli Boys are 12th on the log with 33 points from 29 matches.
They have a slim chance of finishing in the top eight if other results work in their favour on Saturday.
“I think this season we did very well compared to the previous season,” Chabalala said.
“This season, we are not fighting relegation like we have been doing in the past seasons.
“At this stage, I remember last season we were at number 16 until we played the last game and we survived.
“But this season you can see the mood is good and we have good coaches and a technical team which is why we avoided a relegation fight.
“Now we are fighting for the top eight. I think this is a good achievement for the team.”
The 32-year-old, from Giyani, said one of his highlights this season was reaching the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup.
Chippa lost 3-1 to Orlando Pirates at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
“We started well in the Nedbank Cup until we lost against Orlando Pirates, but we learnt from that and still have a chance to do better next season in the Nedbank Cup and other competitions.
“I think we will do better because now we are fighting for the top eight and we are number 12 on the log, but like I said next season will be better.
“We are improving bit by bit,” Chabalala said.
“Personally, last season was difficult for me because I did not get a chance to play.
“People know me as the best defender but last season it was hard for me, I don’t want to lie.
“This season I have achieved a lot.
“I was blessed as I played all the games. I got many man-of-the-match awards, and I scored and assisted with goals.
’I am happy with how the season went and thanks to the team for allowing me to play for this club.”
Chilli Boys co-coach Thabo September said a win against Sekhukhune on Saturday would cap their promising season.
September and Kwanele Kopo joined Chippa midway through the season, replacing axed coach Morgan Mammila.
They enjoyed success with the team, most notably winning four consecutive matches.
“I think it was a good season, a good second half of the season,” September said.
“We started well and then because of injuries, suspensions and other problems, we started getting bad results.
“But we regrouped, we started by getting draws to build up the team again.
“So, it’s been an up-and-down kind of four months.
“However, there have been more ups than downs, finishing fourth in the Nedbank Cup and achieving the mandate of not getting into a relegation position.
“We still have an opportunity to make it into the top eight.
“I am proud of the players for what they have done quickly and the work everyone at the football club has put in.”
HeraldLIVE
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