Chippa United technical advisor Vladislav Heric says his side’s main focus is to remain in the DStv Premiership rather than to win the Nedbank Cup.
The Chilli boys surprisingly advanced to the final of the competition earlier this month but played out to a loss to Baroka and a stalemate with Golden Arrows just after that.
However, Bienvenu Eva Nga boosted the Chilli Boys’ survival hopes after grabbing a late winning goal against Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday afternoon.
Contrary to popular opinion, Heric says Chippa are mostly focused on their DStv Premiership status.
“The game started sluggish for us, we felt the consequences of being on airport the whole day yesterday, we definitely could not move first-half,” Heric said after the win.
“The first 20 to 25 minutes definitely we could not move, I was afraid if they score one, two, three goals we’re definitely dead.
“Somehow we recovered, we had to pull players much deeper back, trying to defend that zone in front of the box because it was weak point for us where they could damage us in any split second,” he said.
“Fortunately, we were lucky they did not score in the first 20 to 25 minutes, after the game progressed, we started to play.
“Second-half we balanced the game and luckily one ball behind the defence of Kaizer Chiefs resulted in a goal for us, which I’m very proud of, the boys work very hard,” he went on.
Heric added on his side’s mentality throughout the game: “I’m so proud that they show commitment, they really did their best. When you put your heart in the field, when you really want to win, then you win, we were the lucky team today to score the goal.
“We have to think about the last game now, we can’t wait for the game against SuperSport which is 29th of May to see what’s our destiny. We have to secure our status.
“My biggest challenge was to turn their minds [away] from the Nedbank Cup final to the league games which we have to win because in ten days time we’re playing a cup final.
“So my main objective was to switch the mind of the players because they didn’t care much, ‘Ah it’s okay we’re in the final’ but you can win the final and lose the status of the PSL and what’s the point? You know.
“OK, everyone wants to win the final but the main objective for us is the remain in the PSL,” he added.