Mapeza Records First Chippa United Win Of The Season

Zimbabwean coach Norman Mapeza started his Chippa United tenure on a good note by picking up a win on debut in the Telkom Knockout Cup having been appointed by the Port Elizabeth-based outfit three weeks ago.

Chippa United booked their place in the draw for the Telkom Knockout quarter-finals as Lehlohonolo Masalesa’s second-half goal clinched a 1-0 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Tuesday.

Former Bloemfontein Celtic goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb played a blinder of a game with crucial saves to keep his former teammates at bay throughout the 90 minutes as the Chilli Boys were able to hold firm and secure a hard-fought victory.

Chippa United host Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarter final draw of the Telkom Knockout with dates and venues for the fixtures to be announced in due course.

Sundowns will provide a more sterner test for Mapeza’s desire to hunt for his first silverware in the lucrative South African Premiership.

The Zimbabwean gaffer took over at the struggling ABSA Premiership side at the start of this month on a three-year contract also notched Chippa United’s first win of the season in all competitions.

His appointment came after the team had gone for eight matches without a league win.

“Credit to the boys for the result and winning the game. But we will get better, like managing the game, playing the ball into the corner like at the end. The positive is we pushed the ball forward and I wanted them to do that. The result will give confidence to the boys.” said Mapeza after his first match in the hot seat.

Next on the line up for Mapeza, is a meeting with Highlands Park in a ABSA Premier League encounter as he tries to ensure survival for the struggling and winless Chippa United side who currently anchor the 16 team log with a paltry 4 points from 8 games.

By Gerald Dandah