• Chippa prepare to host Pirates in Nedbank Cup semis
• The Chilli Boys eager to cause an upset
• They will go head-to-head on Saturday

WHAT HAPPENED?

Chippa are commemorating their decade in the Eastern Cape province since moving from Cape Town at the close of the 2013-14 season upon their return to the Premier Soccer League. 

As they honour this anniversary, their sights are set on reaching the Nedbank Cup final. However, they face a formidable challenge in the reigning champions Pirates, as co-coach Kwanele Kopo has emphasized.

WHAT KOPO SAID?

"We would like to get into the final of the Nedbank Cup, and you have to beat Pirates to do it. So, tactically, can we do it? Yes, I believe so,” Kopo told the media.

"Do we have the players that are capable of going out there and competing against Pirates? Yes, I believe so.

"It's a very difficult game to prepare for because our squad is not very big. And when you have six, seven injuries to starting players, it's going to be very difficult.

"So, we need to go back and reflect, but it would be an important milestone for Chippa United to reach the Nedbank Cup final to celebrate 10 years in the Eastern Cape,” he concluded.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Heading into their Nedbank Cup match, the Chilli Boys have suffered two consecutive 2-1 defeats against AmaZulu and Moroka Swallows in the PSL, following four consecutive victories in all competitions. 

On the other hand, their cup opponents, the Sea Robbers, are currently enjoying excellent form and aiming to secure their fourth cup final under Jose Riveiro. Riveiro's team, who previously won the MTN8 in 2022 and 2023 and Nedbank Cup in 2023, are also in contention for a spot in the Caf Champions League, trailing Stellenbosch by three points in third place on the PSL standings after winning their last four league matches consecutively.

WHAT NEXT FOR CHIPPA?

Although the Chilli Boys enter the Nedbank Cup semi-final as the underdogs, they could leverage that position to disrupt the Buccaneers' current streak of good form. 

The two teams will face off at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, May 4th.