Mfundo Shumana © Gallo Images

Chippa United midfielder Mfundo Shumana says the team must keep plugging away until they can secure their first victory in the Absa Premiership.

The Cape rookies were just a few moments away from getting their first maximum point haul in the PSL, but their dreams were shattered as Erwin Isaacs’s 89th minute goal cancelled out Vuyisile Ntombayithethi’s first half header.

The result at Athlone leaves Chippa in 15th place, with two points from four games.

Shumana, the former Ajax and Swallows midfielder, remains hopeful that the tide will soon turn for the newly promoted outfit.

“It will come, but it looks like at the moment that we don’t have luck on our side. I think we have been working hard, we have been creating a lot of chances, it’s just a matter of time before we convert these chances.

“We have to stay focussed. Even if we have to grind out a point, somewhere, somehow. Even if you don’t play nice football, you can still get a result, that’s what we have to do for now,” he said. Shumana made an impact towards the end of last season as an impact player off the bench, although this is not necessarily how he sees himself. He will however have to slug it out with new signing Cole Alexander for a starting position.

“Its up to the coach and I cannot decide when to put me in, but whenever I get a chance to play, I will always do my best.

“Normally when I come on as a sub I score a goal for the team, but lately it has not been happening for me, and I have been disappointed.”

Meanwhile, it was a happy return to his old stomping ground for Isaacs, the highly talented former Santos attacker scoring with a typical predatory finish as he rifled home a pin-point left footed shot from 14 yards.

“I’m staying in Jo’burg with a new club, but this was a home game for me. The coach told me I must go out there and enjoy myself because I am playing in front of my home fans, so just go on the field and play good football that’s all.

“I’ve settled very quickly because as a professional you must adapt quick. The first two weeks were hard, but after that it got much easier.”