Chippa host confident AmaZulu

Chippa United will welcome AmaZulu in an Absa Premiership match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Tuesday.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm.

The Chilli Boys are coming off a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday in their first 2017/18 league game.

The narrow defeat left United placed 13th on the league log without a point from one match. They are ahead of 16th-placed SuperSport United on goal-difference.

On the other hand, AmaZulu edged out Free State Stars 1-0 at the King Zwelithini Stadium with Tapelo Nyongo scoring for Usuthu on Saturday as they marked their return to the elite league with a win.

The hard-fought victory sees Usuthu placed third on the league standings with three points from one game. They are only behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on goal-difference.

AmaZulu defender Sadat Ouro-Akoriko is set to miss Usuthu’s clash with the Chilli Boys. The Togolese international will be serving his suspension after being sent off against Stars.

Possible Chippa United XI: Mhlongo, Mdlinzo, Mako, Thopola, Okwuosa, Macheke, Zuke, Masuku, Lentjies, Mbenyane, Sekola.

Possible AmaZulu XI: Pule, Sikhakhane, Mtsweni, Mngqibisa, Nyongo, Morton, Darpoh, Zungu, Ramphele, Karuru, Khenyeza.

What are the teams saying

Chippa United head coach Dan Malesela:

"I want to sit and reflect so that I find solutions because now we have to find solutions for AmaZulu as quick as possible in the sense of how do we approach AmaZulu," he said.

"We need to see if somebody has clips somewhere then we have to look. But I like isolating myself and to sit for a while. Sometimes I drive, just drive about 10 kilometres and back."

AmaZulu head coach Cavin Johnson:

“It will be a tough match because United are a difficult team to beat, even though, they lost to Pirates in their first league match. They are a good team that plays good football,” he said.

“On the other hand, we are still finding our feet in the Absa Premiership. The players are still adapting. But we are hoping for another win. We will be ready for them.”

Chippa United key players

Diamond Thopola: The defender has been appointed United captain after establishing himself as one of the team's key players. The 27-year-old player is a reliable right-back, who is good at defending and attacking.

Andile Mbenyane: The long serving United midfielder remains an important member of the the Chilli Boys squad. The 29-year-old player, who has a good work-rate, is United's key link between midfield and attack.

AmaZulu key players

Tapelo Nyongo: The AmaZulu captain always leads by example with his solid displays at the back. The goal-scoring central defender's solitary goal earned Usuthu a 1-0 victory over Free State Stars on Saturday.

Mabhuti Khenyeza: The veteran striker remains a key player for AmaZulu due to his impeccable PSL experience. The 35-year-old marksman's impressive work-rate upfront and his ability to finish with great aplomb make him a dangerous forward.