Mako says Chippa win was important for Pirates in their quest for Caf Champions League spot

Orlando Pirates defender Paseka Mako says it was important for them to win their game against Chippa United, especially after SuperSport United also won, with the two teams in the race to finish in second place on the DStv Premiership table.

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Pirates and SuperSport are tied on 43 points with the teams having played 25 games.

With Matsatsantsa having played on Friday and winning their game against TS Galaxy, the Pretoria team jumped to second place on the log, but the Buccaneers‘ victory over Chippa saw the Soweto side reclaim their position as they have a better goal-difference.

Mako is happy that they were able to get the desired result and happy with his performance after being named the man-of-the-match.

“I think we played well as a team, and I’m happy with my performance. We came here (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium)) looking for a win because SuperSport won,” said the defender.

“We also wanted to win because we want to play in the Caf Champions League. We want to get the number two spot.”

Pirates had a good game against the Chilli Boys, especially in the first half as they managed to score both of their goals before the break.

Mako reveals that it was hard playing against Chippa with the Gqeberha based club fighting for survival in the top tier.

Chilli Boys in trouble

The Chilli Boys are in 14th place on the league standings with 26 points with only five games remaining to the end of the season. The club’s position on the log and points tally make them relegation candidates as they are only two points ahead of Marumo Gallants and Maritzburg United, who are sitting in 15th and 16th spot respectively.

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“It was very difficult because they are playing for their lives and some of them are playing for contracts. It’s hard to play a relegation-threatened team because they want to save their status,” Mako added.

“So you have to come and put more effort in and have a positive mind-set in order to get the result that you want.”

The victory against Chippa was Bucs’ fourth in a row in the league and fifth in all competitions with the club showing good consistency.

Bucs will now take some time off from the league with a Nedbank Cup quarterfinal tie against Dondol Stars next at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.