Badela Sends Strong Message To Chippa Squad
Chippa United coach Sinethemba Badela has set the record straight with his players, warning against resting on their laurels following their strong showing against defending Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 35-year-old tactician, who was appointed last month, avoided defeat in his first official match in the dugout and will look to build on the solid foundation and performance from their league opener on Saturday.
While the Chill Boys managed to snatch a point from the Brazilians, Badela admits it’s not enough to sustain the team throughout the entire season and acknowledged that it’s going to be difficult motivating his charges against lesser opposition to Sundowns.
“Yes, it’s going to be a big challenge because I think Mamelodi Sundowns have beaten us seven times in a row, so for the club it feels like a victory. But for me, I’m never satisfied, and the players know that they need to watch the game and improve,” said the Eastern Cape-born mentor.
“I have been telling them that every game in the PSL is tough. This one [against Sundowns], luckily enough, we didn’t have to motivate them, but players should not be motivated by the coaches. They should be motivated every day, they should be motivated to do recovery and to come to training.”
The former Wydad Athletic Club second in command went on to send a stern warning to his troops, clearly stating that there is no room for complacency in the wake of standing their own against the rampant Tshwane giants.
“You can get a draw against Sundowns, and from there you lose four games, so it means nothing. I will not allow my players to relax even though I’m proud of them with the work they have done against Sundowns,” added Badela.
“But I think we can still do more. This group has got a lot more to give, and like I said, we are not even at full strength. I didn’t have Justice Figuerado and Banele Hlophe, just to name a few. I think with those additions coming in and more competition in the squad, there won’t be any complacency because once you become complacent, you will not play.”
The Gqeberha-based outfit will swing back into Betway Premiership action with a trip to KZN, where they are set to square off against newly promoted Durban City at Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday evening (19:30).
