Eymael praises character as the Chilli Boys secured a hard-fought point against Sekhukhune

Chippa United coach Luc Eymael had mixed feelings after his side held Betway Premiership leaders Sekhukhune United to a 1-1 draw at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday.

Boy Madingwane put the Chilli Boys ahead, and it appeared they were on course for only their second win of the season. However, Bradley Grobler’s penalty equaliser ensured that Sekhukhune extended their unbeaten run.

Eymael was pleased with his team’s effort but raised concerns about the refereeing. Chippa not only conceded one penalty but survived another late in the game, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali denying Grobler his seventh league goal of the campaign.

“You have to ask the referee,” Eymael told SuperSport TV when asked about his thoughts on the match.

The 66-year-old Belgian admitted he was frustrated by some calls but praised his players’ determination after a difficult start to the season.

“When I see such decisions I get very surprised, we have to think better and maybe get Video Assistant Referee (VAR), it’s really necessary because it’s not the first time,” Eymael said.

“But I am very proud of my boys. They fought a lot, and we stuck to the plan today. It was more defensive, it’s not my style of football. We lost three points in the last second against Polokwane City, so I wanted to take one point or perhaps create a surprise here. I think we gave a good performance, but as for the two penalties, God will be the judge.”

Chippa currently sit in 15th place with just five points from eight matches. With Stellenbosch FC up next — arguably the perfect opponent given their recent struggles — Chippa will look to build on this performance. 

Improvements have been visible since Eymael took over, and their showing against Sekhukhune proved once again that they are very much a work in progress.

“I told the boys to keep the shape because Sekhukhune are not number one for nothing. They have beaten (Orlando) Pirates and (Kaizer) Chiefs; they are a different side, and I said to the boys that they must continue to push,” he said.

The Chilli Boys mentor acknowledged that it wasn’t his ideal style of football, but it worked in the circumstances.

“We want to frustrate them by being organised. It would not usually be my plan, but today it was, and we wanted to break on the counter. It was unfortunate with the two decisions, but by the grace of God, we did not concede a second goal. It’s a well-deserved point.

“We had to be disciplined and stick to the plan. The boys showed character and heart — they fought for every ball, and even when things didn’t go our way, we kept our shape and kept the game close.”