STELLENBOSCH FC may be safe, but for the Chilli Boys, the Eastern Cape’s only Premier Soccer League team, it’s still a matter of prayer.

A victory today at Tuks Stadium will bring Chippa United one step closer to safety, while Stellies is now aiming for the Top-8.

Stellies’ PSL status was assured due to other results over the weekend that counted in their favor.

Witwarm

This meant that they could no longer be involved in the fight against relegation.

However, Chippa, who is currently in 12th place with 30 league points, still needs points to ensure his safety for next season.

Chippa says he is only focused on the match against Stellenbosch – despite a white-hot dispute that broke out on Wednesday with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium over where the club will play next season.

“Unfortunately, there are a lot of things behind the scenes, but we have to concentrate on our immediate task and that is against Stellenbosch,” said Chippa spokesperson Lukhanyo Mzinzi.

“The club is not safe yet and therefore we must also stay focused on the game.”

Since local football resumed, Chippa has so far written one win, one draw and one defeat behind his name. However, the team has scored only one goal in its three matches.

Stellies are back at a good level and unbeaten after three games. They won two and drew one – against PSL frontrunner Kaizer Chiefs.

Stellies captain Lee Langeveldt says the match against Chippa will be a difficult one, but the team has grown lately.

“The pressure made us perform better. There is a chance to reach the Top-8, so we still have to push through to the end, ”said Langeveldt.