Players giving it their all to impress Chippa United. Photo by Siyabonga Kalipa.
27 June 2014
Chippa United, recently promoted to the Premier Soccer League team, held the first of its open trials on 25 June. Over 100 players from around the Cape and the country made their way to the Philippi stadium, home of the Chilli Boys as Chippa United is affectionately known.
Wanda Mbenguzana of Chippa United said, “As a team we believe that we need to start from the ground when getting new players … There is a lot of unnoticed talent in our communities. Most of us at the club come from this community and this is our way of giving back.”
Mbenguzana said, “Every team in the PSL should do the same and not wait for players to be household names before they sign them. We want to do this before the start of every season and at the same time build a relationship with our community.”
The trialists grouped themselves into teams of eleven and played against each other. Players gave it their best in trying to impress the newly appointed Chilli Boys head coach Kosta Papic and his technical team. After every game those that had impressed were called to the side and their details were taken down.
A smiling 18-year-old from Mitchell’s Plain, John-Nathan Oppelt, who made the first stage, said, “I’m still young, and I had to prove myself against experienced and physical players. The hard work is paying off … from now on I will have to work even harder to make it.”
“It’s been my dream to play in the PSL since the age of four, and I’ve had my fair share of disappointments in the game because I’ve played for Ajax Cape Town and was dropped … but I overcame all of those disappointments and this is my time”, said Oppelt.
Another player that made the first stage, Malcom Jacobs, 24, a goalkeeper, said, “I think I did well because I controlled and commanded my area very well, my ball distribution was good. It would mean a lot for me if I make it to the PSL. It would be life changing for me and my family.”
As in any competition there has to be winners and losers. Those that did not make the first stage didn’t look happy. “It’s a learning curve,” they told each other, “something will come up. Let’s work hard”.
Lunga Makubalo, 18, who arrived on the morning of the trials all the way from Umtata in the Eastern Cape, said, “I feel like I’ve wasted money by coming here because I wanted to succeed. The players in my team had an attitude towards me because I’m not from around here, so they were not passing the ball to me. But this encourages me to work even harder. I won’t give up on my dream.”
24-year-old Dumisane Ntsodo from Khayelitsha, who also didn’t make the cut, said, “I gave it my all but it was a wrong day for me. It’s life; it has ups and downs, but I’m not giving up because another team might see my talent. I just have to keep working harder.”
Coach Kosta Papic said, “It’s only the first day. The players that are here are showing character, showing us that they are here to play. But the one’s we are choosing are talented individuals.”