Andile Mbenyane @ Backpagepix

Chippa go into their final two matches of the promotion play-offs knowing that four points will see them through to the Absa Premiership.

The Cape NFD side clash with Thanda Royal Zulu in Richards Bay on Wednesday afternoon (2pm kick off).

The Chilli Boys have thus far accumulated two points from two draws, while Thanda and Santos possess identical records: four points each from a victory, a loss and a draw.

Chippa’s final match is against Santos at the Philippi Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

While Chippa have failed to find their top form as of yet, results have gone their way in order to ensure that they now find themselves in the driving seat.

“We were happy to see Thanda beat Santos last Saturday. Thanda are a good team, but they were able to take advantage of Santos having five players suspended.

“We are excited at this stage, we know that promotion to the top flight is now in our own hands, but we need to keep our feet on the ground and remain focussed, there are still two games to go.

“But if we can win one game and draw one, we will be through. The thing is we need to score more goals,” Mbenyane told PSL.co.za.

With Joshua Sauls sidelined with an ankle injury, the goal-scoring burden has fallen upon Petrus Ngebo, who has scored Chippa’s only goal of the campaign thus far, but has also missed several guilt-edged chances.

Mbenyane, a former Ajax Cape Town player and cousin of Urban Warriors marksman Thembinkosi Terror Fanteni, netted over 30 goals two seasons back in the Second Division.

His appearances in the play-offs have thus far been limited to substitute cameos, during which time he has made a positive impact in attack.

He is confident that he is in form, and that he can deliver for his team if given more time on the park.

“I felt that if I had been given more game time in the previous match against Santos (a 0-0 draw), I could have helped my team to win that game.

“I was happy with the way I played and I’m hoping to try and make the starting XI for the match against Thanda. If the coach can play me as a second striker I will be amongst the goals,” was the 24-year-old’s promise.

The Cape side are already in Richards Bay, having held a training session on Monday morning, making sure they are used to the conditions.

“I don’t think the heat will be a problem,” claims Mbenyane, “the first five minutes you feel it, but after that one gets used to the conditions.”