Chippa United coach Morgan Mammila remains steadfast in his belief that the team’s performance has been commendable despite their lack of victory in the current season’s opening four matches.
The Chilli Boys secured three draws against Kaizer Chiefs, TS Galaxy, and Orlando Pirates, while experiencing a 2-0 setback against Mamelodi Sundowns last Saturday at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in their DStv Premiership encounter.
A goal from Aubrey Modiba in the first-half, followed by an unfortunate own goal by Justice Chabalala, handed Mammila his first initial defeat of the season. Nevertheless, Mammila maintains an optimistic outlook.
“Though the outcomes leave us disappointed, I find solace in our performance,” Mammila conveyed to the media during the post-match press conference. “Our matches against top-tier SA teams – the hard-fought points against Pirates and Chiefs, as well as the draw with TS Galaxy – are vital in the bigger picture. These points serve to propel us past rival teams.
“Losing against my direct competitors would indeed be concerning, but losing to the likes of Sundowns, who remain unbeaten in 24 league matches, is a different story. We must devise a strategy, but the proximity of our performance to victory is evident.”
Chippa United head coach Morgan Mammila says his players followed the instructions but were let down by their finishing in front of goal. #SLSiya
— Soccer Laduma (@Soccer_Laduma) August 20, 2023
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Mammila took pride in Chippa United’s ability to unsettle Sundowns during their encounter, lamenting only the subpar finishing that squandered numerous scoring chances.
“Can you point to any other team that has created opportunities against Sundowns this season? I have my doubts. It’s all about capitalising on chances; consider that we only lost to the premier teams in the nation.”
Chippa United’s next DStv Premiership encounter is set for August 25 at 19h30, when they face Cape Town Spurs once again at Athlone Stadium, Mammila assessed the upcoming challenge.
“A daunting match awaits, given their three consecutive losses. Remarkably, there’s no talk of dismissing their coach; they understand it’s just the beginning. They have room for improvement. When dealing with teams of their calibre, caution and tactical discipline are paramount. In the Sundowns match, we gifted them goals; their chances weren’t self-made. Nonetheless, they emerged as the better side and claimed victory.”
