Da Gama hopes for mentality change in Chippa tie

As two clubs starved of positive results in the Betway Premiership this season, Magesi and Chippa United will hope to get back to winning ways when they do battle at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm (CAT, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

With eight points to their name after 14 matches played this season, Magesi will head into their next league assignment sitting at rock bottom on the log.

Magesi’s only win in the league was last recorded on the 26th of September 2024, where they saw out a 1-0 result against Golden Arrows at the Mpumalanga Stadium. Since then, the Limpopo-based side has been on an 11-match winless streak where they recorded six defeats and five draws along the way.

The Chilli Boys’ form sheet does not make for good reading either, and they are currently on the back of a four-match winless run that includes losses to Cape Town City, Kaizer Chiefs and Polokwane City.

Ironically, Chippa’s most recent win in the league was recorded against their upcoming opponents, after Sinoxolo Kwayiba scored a brace in a 2-0 victory at the Buffalo City Stadium on the 30th of November 2024.

As it stands, the Chilli Boys sit in 12th position on the table, with 15 points to their name after 13 fixtures completed.

WHAT WAS SAID

Following Magesi’s 1-1 draw with Richards Bay last time out, coach Owen Da Gama expressed that the mentality of his side has to change for the better as they look to claw their way out of the relegation zone.

“When I arrived here, I mean, it was really at all times low,” Da Gama said. “I don’t know if it's anticlimax after winning the Carling Cup and everything has just gone down. I also think that affects players a lot.

“The mentality is not right; the mentality is not very strong and it is something that we have been working a lot.

“We have been watching videos, we have been talking, making them express themselves, tell us why this and why that.

“It is slowly coming together, but it is a process. But we are happy with the progress we have made.”

Similarly to that of Da Gama, Chippa coach Thabo September said that he has a major responsibility to guide his team to safety this season.

“It’s a R75 million status so it’s a huge responsibility,” September said. “It’s not like I’m coaching DDC so I take it seriously. It’s a huge responsibility you mustn’t get the team relegated. It’s a huge responsibility.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Magesi: Wonderboy Makhubu – While goals have been hard to come by this season, Makhubu remains a staple in the Magesi frontline. Having scored three league goals so far, the 28-year-old will no doubt be eager to increase his tally against Chippa this week.

Chippa United: Ayabulela Konqobe – The versatile star brings a wealth of experience to his side, as the Gqeberha outfit hopes to stay in the division beyond the 2024/25 season. Whether it be in midfield or defence, Konqobe will be tasked to lead Chippa to victory once more on Tuesday.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2024/25 Chippa 2-0 Magesi Kwayiba 2

LEAGUE RECORD (since 2024/25)

Home

P W D L GF GA

Magesi 0 0 0 0 0 0

Chippa 1 1 0 0 2 0

Away

P W D L GF GA

Magesi 1 0 0 1 0 2

Chippa 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total

P W D L GF GA

Magesi 1 0 0 1 0 2

Chippa 1 1 0 0 2 0