By Monwabisi Jimlongo
Daniel ‘Dance’ Malesela is going to face TS Galaxy for the first time since Rockets owner Tim Sukazi fired him in December following a poor run.
The Chippa United coach, who insists that he bears no grudges against the Rockets, together with his struggling Chilli Boys are visiting Sukazi’s team in a DStv Premiership encounter at the Mbombela Stadium,
Nelspruit, on Saturday (15h30) aiming to earn their first win since 3 November.
It’s been a real struggle for the Chilli Boys as points have been difficult to come by and playing away the whole of January has not
made things easy for them. The Chilli Boys have won once – a 3-1 win over Maritzburg United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, in November.
‘‘Look, this is quite a particular game because I was coaching TS Galaxy for a while and there is a lot of expectations from many people. There are those who want me to win against TS Galaxy. There are also those who are different and want the opposite,’’ Malesela said.
‘‘I have always said that it’s not about me. It’s a difficult game as it is, we all find ourselves in the wrong end of the table, one above the other, one below the other.’’
With Chilli Boys sitting on 15th position on the Premiership standings, the former Manning Rangers, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates defender has admitted that they are under pressure to produce
results.
‘‘There is pressure on both teams to win, get maximum points. If we allow pressure to overcome us we may not do the right things. We will try to do the right things and win the match,’’ said Malesela.
‘‘I know people would go for other issues, I’m not up for that. I’m more matured to start holding grudges and thinking about other things.
I’m focusing on what is at hand at the moment, I forget about history.
Now I’m focusing on Chippa United and I want to see if the Chilli Boys can succeed in this match.’’
This is a must-win match for the Chilli Boys in their quest to climb up the ladder, especially with their next game being an away clash against high-flying Swallows FC at the Dobsonville Stadium next Wednesday.
