CHIPPA UNITED GOT BACK TO WINNING WAYS

By Phumlani Saul

Chippa United got back to winning ways in the Absa Premiership with a narrow 1-0 victory over AmaZulu on Saturday evening.

Norman Mapeza recalled the likes of Tercious Malepe, Lehlohonolo Masalesa and William Twala while Usuthu welcomed back Sibusiso Magaqa and Siphelele Magubane.

The opening quarter of this bottom-half contest remained evenly balanced with loads of jostling for possession and few and far between goalmouth chances.

Chippa came into the game on the back of five league matches without victory, with their counterparts battling at the foot of the table as the encounter failed to liven up.

Mapeza’s boys came out for the second half with more optimism and with that, found the breakthrough with a fine finish from Ruzaigh Gamildien.

Mapeza also adopted more variations and pace around the attacking third with the removal of Twala for Thabo Rakhale signalling such within the 51st minute.

Sphesihle Maduna managed to carve out Usuthu’s first chance two minutes later when he went clear with Veli Mothwa, who managed to get down to smother the youngster’s attempt.

Usuthu kept coming however as Mothwa palmed Bonginkosi Ntuli’s goal-ridden header behind for a corner following the 62nd minute.

A telling moment for the visiting side seven minutes later saw MultiChoice Diski Challenge graduate Bayanda Shangase given his first-team debut.

It was all Usuthu following the closing stages, as Siyethemba Sithebe going inches wide of target after getting onto the end of Shangase’s ball.

Chippa absorbed all the pressure to return to winning ways, as pressure mount of Jozef Vukusic’s head.