Chippa United head coach Thabo September says at least they know what to expect after they were matched against Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup last-16 draw at the SuperSport Studios in Randburg on Wednesday night.
September is confident his players have what it takes to beat Amakhosi and advance to the next round.
The Premier Soccer League will announce the dates and venues for the last-16 games later.
“We know Chiefs, so at least we are playing a team we know,” September said.
“It is good for the player’s motivation when we are playing Kaizer Chiefs.
Of course, they are a big team in the country.
“It’s going to be a good game I think. We are happy with the draw and looking forward to the game.
“However, we would have loved to play at home, but it didn't work out like that.
“Hopefully we progress to the next round and have a home fixture at some point for our supporters.
“It’s always nice to play at home in front of our supporters.”
Chippa beat Golden Arrows 2-1 to book their place in the last 16 of the cup competition.
Last season the Gqeberha side beat TS Galaxy 2-0 in the quarterfinals, but then lost 3-1 to Orlando Pirates.
The last time the Chilli Boys reached the final of the cup competition was in 2021, losing 1-0 to Tshakhuma (TTM).
They now switch their attention to the Betway Premiership this weekend when they play Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (5.30pm).
Chippa are 12th on the log with 15 points from 12 matches, and the coach said a win on Saturday would get them closer to their desired top-eight spot.
“We have prepared well for the Polokwane game,” he said.
“We are going to stay in Polokwane because we face Magesi on Tuesday after Saturday’s game and then we move on to Mbombela to tackle TS Galaxy next weekend.
“So, we will be away for a good while.
“I think because we won against Golden Arrows it does give a little belief in what we are trying to do.
“But this one is more important because it’s a league game and we want good results in the league so that we can move closer to the top eight.
“The game against Arrows gave us confidence.
“Hopefully, we will collect three points in that one.”
He said Rise and Shine were dangerous.
“They are a very good side. They are consistent and they fight.
“They grind out results, they don’t concede easily and they are well coached by Phuti Mohafe.
“We will give them respect and we will go out there and fight.”
September said they had no major injuries going into Saturday’s fixture.
The Herald
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