Chippa win on PSL return

The match at the Nelson Mandela bay Stadium was a hard-fought game throughout, with tackles flying in from both sides, with a total of seven yellow cards dished out, as well as a late red for the visiting team.

The Chilli Boys' win was paved by an early goal by club stalwart Andile Mbenyane, who netted after just eight minutes to ease any early nerves for the PSL new-boys.

David Zulu, who topped scored in the National First Division with Black Leopards last season, added a second goal after 26 minutes, finding the net with a right-footed shot to give Kosta Papic's side a two goal cushion.

Platinum Stars, who lost a couple of their top strikers, including Siphelele Mthembu, Henrico Botes and Thabani Mthembu during the off-season, struggled to create much threat up front, with new-signing Ndumiso Mabena leaving Chippa keeper Tshepo Motsoeneng largely untroubled.

Chippa took their two goal cushion into the half-time break and were able to keep their lead intact in what became a scrappy and rather physical second half as the North West outfit tried to fight their way back into the game, to no avail.

Making matters worse for Dikwena was the fact they lost Rofhiwa Tshikovhi to a late red card, the defender being showed his marching orders two minutes from time for a second bookable offence.

While Stars would have to go back to the drawing board, for Chippa it was the perfect beginning to life in Port Elizabeth after their move from Cape Town, as the Chilli Boys looked to avoid a repeat of two seasons ago when they were relegated after just one year in the top flight.

Chippa are next in action on Tuesday night, when they play SuperSport United in Pretoria, while on Wednesday Platinum Stars host Free State Stars, who lost to Kaizer Chiefs earlier on Saturday.