Chiefs players celebrate scoring during the 2019 Nedbank semifinal game between Chippa United and Kaizer Chiefs at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on 20 April 2019 © Deryck Foster/BackpagePix
In a little less than a month since their last encounter, Chippa United and Kaizer Chiefs renew rivalries in another high-stakes clash.
Chiefs players celebrate scoring during the 2019 Nedbank semifinal game between Chippa United and Kaizer Chiefs at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on 20 April 2019 © Deryck Foster/BackpagePix
Chippa United and Kaizer Chiefs conclude what’s been a miserable season for both as they clash at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, and the hosts are desperate to remain in the top flight.
Clinton Larsen’s men may have grabbed a crucial three points in their last outing, but are still within touching distance of the dreaded red zone, in what is a close relegation battle.
They occupy 13th place on the league table, and are one of three teams on 27 points, just one more than bottom-placed Maritzburg United.
However, Larsen says he is not worried about how the other relegation candidates fare on the final day of the season.
“We are not looking at what other teams are doing.
“We came into this game knowing that we need to win our last two games. We going to go to Chiefs with the same mindset on Saturday and will make sure that we play with our hearts on our sleeves‚
Clinton Larsen
For their opponents, it’s a different kind of battle as Kaizer Chiefs find themselves in unusual territory, having to fight for a top-eight spot.
The Soweto giants can finish no higher than seventh place, which they currently occupy, and face stiff competition from the likes of Highlands Park and Bloemfontein Celtic for a spot in next season’s MTN8.
Despite having qualified for the Nedbank Cup final, their league form has been far from encouraging, as they have gone six games without a victory.
Last five league encounters.
Kaizer Chiefs 0-0 Chippa United
Kaizer Chiefs 0-3 Chippa United
Chippa United 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 Chippa United
Chippa United 3-1 Kaizer Chiefs
Date: Saturday, 11 May
Kick off: 15:00
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
TV and live stream: Supersport 11