The Nedbank Cup is now in the semi finals and the Chippa United will be hopeful in their quest for redemption when the Eastern Cape side travels to the nation’s capital to face Pretoria Callies.
In the draw held in Limpopo on Sunday night saw the Gqebera side were pitted against Callies and coach Dan Malesela will hope that his charges continue to sustain his stated hopes of remaining alive for as long as possible in the cup competition.
Chippa occupies the 13th position, just four points away from basement side Black Leopards and Malesela admitted a few days ago that he hopes to use the Nedbank Cup to rediscover their form in the league. However, the Chilli Boyz are still struggling in the league and are without a win in six matches.
Chippa’s positive after their 2-1 win against Kaizer Chiefs’ conquerors Richards Bay in the quarterfinals at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Saturday, one which appeared to delight the coach.
“Sometimes this football plays out in a funny way. You’ll find out that in the Nedbank you play so well and you win your matches within 90 minutes or penalties. But when you come to the league you still struggle to score goals‚” the Chippa coach said on the eve of the Richards Bay encounter.
Chippa will be home to high-flying Swallows FC. Malesela in their next encounter and will be hoping that his experiment has paid off.
Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila were able to book their place in the semifinals after defeating the Limpopo neighbours Black Leopards 2 goals to nil in Thohoyandou on Sunday night.
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondo put Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in the lead in the 38th minute.
Ndlondlo capitalised on a poor clearance from the Leopards rearguard, stealing the ball from Tsepo Matsimbi‚ and stealthily sneaked it past advancing goalkeeper King Ndlovu to put his side in the lead.
The Leopards could not force their way back into the match after Alfred Ndengane beat Ndlovu from the penalty spot to put the issue beyond doubt in the 82nd minute.
Referee Siyabulela Qunta gave the side a penalty after Edwin Gyimah hacked down Lerato Lamola inside the area rather than attempt to clear the ball.
Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila will face either Orlando Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns in the semifinals as the two Gauteng sides are yet to play their quarterfinal encounter due to continental commitments.
The venues and time of the two semifinals will be confirmed in the coming days.