Chippa United dealt with setback for crucial clash against Chiefs

Azola Ntsabo with his teammates at Chippa United

Chippa United have been hit with a setback ahead of their crucial Betway Premiership clash against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.

The Chilli Boys will welcome Chiefs at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, looking to climb into the top eight. Chippa are sitting ninth in the table with 29 points after 22 matches, having claimed eight wins, drawn five, and lost nine times.

Interestingly, a win could see Chippa leapfrog Amakhosi to eighth position on the league table with 30 points in 24 matches. As it stands, Chippa, with two games in hand, are one point behind Chiefs.

Meanwhile, the Soweto giants will face the Gqeberha-based side with their tails high after pulling off an impressive 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup last Sunday.

As a result, Chiefs booked a spot on the Nedbank Cup final where they’ll face arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on the 10th of May.

CHIPPA UNITED TO MISS AZOLA NTSABO AGAINST CHIEFS

With Chiefs turning their attention to the league action, they will face Chippa, who are missing their key player, Azola Ntsabo.

Azola Ntsabo at Chippa United
Azola Ntsabo. Picture courtesy of Chippa United/X

The talented left-back will serve a one-match suspension after accumulating his fourth yellow card of the season in Chippa’s goalless draw against Golden Arrows over a week ago.

Ntsabo has made 15 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists.

He won the Goal of the Month for March after scoring a sublime free-kick against Polokwane City FC.

But, the Chippa Mpengesi-owned team has former Mamelodi Sundowns wing-back Malebogo Modise to replace the suspended Ntsabo.

Meanwhile, another team without key players due to suspension this weekend is Sekhukhune United. The club is set to take on Polokwane City in the Limpopo Derby this coming Saturday.

Babina Noko will miss centre-back Katlego Mohamme and striker Khulekani Shezi. The duo received their fourth yellow card for the season against Cape Town City FC last week.

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