Chippa United defender and captain Justice Chabalala has opened up about how he’s settling in as captain at the Gqeberha-based side.
The former Orlando Pirates centre-back joined Chippa United ahead of the current season on a permanent deal. Last season, he was on loan at Sekhukhune United.
Last season, Chippa found themselves in a relegation battle, scraping by with a 15th-place finish. This year, however, the story is completely different. This season, they are a changed side. Under the guidance of co-coaches Thabo September and Kwanele Kopo, the team is fighting for a top-eight finish.
Currently, the Gqeberha-based are 10th on the log standings. They have collected 32 points from 26 matches. Chabalala has been a key factor in their newfound defensive solidity.
In 28 matches in all competitions, Chabalala has helped the team keep 10 clean sheets. He has also scored two goals and provided two assists.
JUSTICE CHABALALA ON BEING CHIPPA UNITED CAPTAIN
The skipper says he’s been getting help from other senior players in the team, like Luvuyo Memela. His aim is to help the team finish in the top eight.
“I’ve been a captain at Bloemfontein Celtic before,” Chabalala told FARPost. To be a captain, you need to understand your players, and you should have a back up [other senior players] that will advise you.
“There are players that are helping me like [Luvuyo] Memela and the other senior players. They have been guiding me very well, and I’ve managed to guide the young ones so they understand what the team wants.
“The important thing is to win. So what I’ve been telling the boys is that we need to win each and every game, but I know we can’t win every game.
“The important thing is to do well and try to understand each and every one; we are not the same.
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