Chippa United will be without suspended goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as they look to continue their unbeaten run in the Betway Premiership away to Stellenbosch at the Danie Craven Stadium on Wednesday (7.30pm).
The Gqeberha side have not lost a league match in four consecutive fixtures, having recorded 2-0 and 2-1 wins against Polokwane City and AmaZulu, respectively, while picking up goalless draws against Golden Arrows and Kaizer Chiefs.
But the Chilli Boys will miss their number one shotstopper, Nwabali, as well as Andile Jali and Azola Ntsabo, who are injured.
Head coach Thabo September admitted it would be a tough encounter against Stellies, but said his players were well-equipped and ready to fight and block any attacks their hosts threw at them.
Chippa are eighth on the log with 30 points from 23 matches.
Stellies are fourth with 38 from 23 games and are chasing a top-three finish this season.
“Preparations have been going well for the team, we have prepared well for Stellenbosch,” September said.
“I think the confidence and belief in the group are there. We are now in the top eight, and part of that has created belief.
“We know Stellenbosch well. They have been consistent in terms of the top four, and they have been there fighting for the top three all along.
“So, we know that we have a big task ahead of us.
“It’s good that we have not lost in the last four games, and we have kept three clean sheets out of those games.
“So, our defence needs to be strong when playing a team like Stellenbosch, who can score from anywhere and any move.
“So that will be the challenge, and we have to do our part and try our best.
“When we get opportunities, we need to take them and we need to make sure that we capitalise because they are not a team that will give you too many chances.”
In other matches on Wednesday, Orlando Pirates host Sekhukhune United while champions and log-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns face Richards Bay in Pretoria. Both matches start at 7.30pm.
Fixtures
Wednesday: Orlando Pirates vs Sekhukhune United, Orlando Stadium (7.30pm); Mamelodi Sundowns vs Richards Bay, Loftus Versfeld (7.30pm); Stellenbosch vs Chippa United, Danie Craven Stadium (7.30pm).
Friday: AmaZulu vs Polokwane City, King Zwelithini Stadium (7.30pm).
Saturday: Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates, FNB Stadium (3pm); Golden Arrows vs Stellenbosch, Mpumalanga Stadium (3pm); SuperSport United vs Chippa United, Peter Mokaba Stadium (5.30pm); Cape Town City vs Mamelodi Sundowns, Cape Town Stadium (8pm); Magesi vs Sekhukhune United, Seshego Stadium (8pm).
Sunday: Galaxy vs Richards Bay, Lucas Moripe Stadium (3pm).
The Herald
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