Chilli Boys feel the sting as two points slip through their hands against TTM

30 November 2020 - 15:39
By Vuyokazi Nkanjeni
Chippa United coach Lehlohonolo Seema says his young team needs to learn fast and not lose easy points.
Image: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images Chippa United coach Lehlohonolo Seema says his young team needs to learn fast and not lose easy points.

Chippa United coach Lehlohonolo Seema was left thinking about what could have been after his team dropped valuable points in their DStv Premiership fixture against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday.

The Chilli Boys disappointed as they laboured to a 1-1 draw against 10-man TTM in a game Seema thought he would collect a full haul from.

“I think we dropped two points,” Seema said. “It never looked like we were going to lose this game. But that is how the game of football is. I think we did not push much, especially in the first half. I think we could have done better.

“As a young team we should be learning very fast that we are in a competition. It's two points lost.”

Seema said it would take some time for them to find their feet, having basically assembled a new team this season after the exodus of 15 players, and with most of the new players making their debuts in the PSL.

“We have to be patient with these boys. The team will come right,” the coach said.

The Port Elizabeth-based side went into the game having been dealt a huge blow with the sale of captain and goalkeeper Veli Mothwa on Friday.

Chippa’s second-choice goalkeeper, Mlungisi Mazibuko, took over between the posts and Augustin Kwen claimed the captain's armband.

Asked if Mothwa’s sudden departure disrupted his planning going into Sunday's match, Seema replied: “No, we had a goalkeeper in the goals and we played. So no, I don’t think so.”

TTM head coach Joel Masutha said the point away from home was well-deserved.

“It was a very tough game,” Masutha said. “When I saw the line-up of Chippa I knew it was based on speed. They came and harassed us — we were very slow coming out the blocks. I think that gave Chippa confidence that they could get something. But the most worrying part is how we conceded the goal.

“We have been working and pushing these guys to play to the whistle. We should have cleared that ball and we were never going to be under pressure. But at the same time, after going a man down on the hour, it also showed the character the boys have.

“They fought like hell. For me, I can say it’s a well-deserved point,” said Masutha.

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