Chippa United able to face Sundowns in season opener – SABC Information

The newly appointed Chippa United Head Coach, Sinethemba Badela, says he is happy with the progress that has been made by his players during the pre-season training camp. The Chilly Boyz will host PSL defending champions in their opening encounter of the season, on Saturday afternoon, at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, in Gqeberha.

Our first #BetwayPrem battle kicks off this Saturday in Gqeberha. Ready to kick off our title defence! 💪

⚽ Chippa United vs Mamelodi Sundowns
🏆Betway Premiership
📆 09 August
⏰ 15H00
🏟 Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
📺 SS 202 & SABC 1 #Sundowns #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/ofUlRhGgCw

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 8, 2025

The home team has a good mix of young and experienced players. Qualifying for the top 8 is the ultimate goal for the Eastern Cape-based team. Chippa United is popular for its attacking style of play, but the players have acknowledged the daunting task of upsetting Mamelodi Sundowns.

The club has boosted its squad with new signings, including the return of midfielder Goodman Mosele on loan from Orlando Pirates. Returning to the team for the second spell.

“We played few games against Orlando Pirates and against Magesi FC. We are on the right track. Playing against Sundowns on our opening game is already a motivation for players and the young players who are looking good on the pitch,” says the Chippa United Head Coach.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso speaks highly of his Chippa United counterpart Sinethemba Badela ahead of their Betway Premiership clash on Saturday.

📹 #SABCSport’s @superjourno #SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/awIMCO32AF

— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) August 5, 2025

The club has also announced that talks are at an advanced stage to clinch a sponsorship deal for the new season.

“It is part of my job to win sponsorship, and it’s difficult to maintain a team without a sponsor. But we are trying something new this season. I am new on the job and things will change this season, drastically, as we have had talks with private companies,” says Sporting Director, Sinesipho Mali.

Last season, the Chilli Boys finished 12th on the log, and the club is looking to improve from this position in the upcoming season.

“We all share the same common vision, we all have a winning mentality, young players have adjusted well in our methods, and we want to play attractive brand of football,” adds Mali.