Truter insists Chippa United can improve after winless start

Brandon Truter says Chippa United have “so much to offer” despite beginning their Betway Premiership campaign with two draws and a defeat.

The Chilli Boys were beaten 3-0 by Orlando Pirates at Kings Stadium on Sunday afternoon, leaving Truter’s side still searching for their first victory of the season.

Chippa were level at 0-0 until the 60-minute mark, but Orlando Pirates eventually broke through and went on to secure a convincing win. Truter accepted that his team had been punished by individual errors, while also arguing that the performance showed signs of progress.

“Firstly, congratulations to Orlando Pirates, but well done to the boys it was a good effort from them as well. Of course, I felt at 60 minutes we were still in the game, it was still 0-0. First half, we had our chances they had chances – a bit even coming into the 60-minute mark,” Truter told SuperSport after the game.

The Chippa United coach said his players had managed to limit Orlando Pirates for a significant period before mistakes allowed the match to move away from them.

“It’s an ongoing process. Second half, we need to rectify and then after 50 minutes we managed to contain and not concede, but I think that’s the only chance they had in the box and then a mistake from Boy, unlike him and then from a set-play.

“It’s individual mistakes, things we can work out and rectify. But it’s a Chippa team that’s got so much to offer.

“The boys as well, just going forward – a bit of confidence more, we are getting there nicely so it’s about progression today so congratulations to Orlando Pirates.”

The result means Chippa United have taken two points from their first three Betway Premiership fixtures under Truter. Their record consists of two draws and one defeat, but the coach believes the team are moving in the right direction despite the early setback.

Truter highlighted the fact that his side remained competitive for much of the contest against Orlando Pirates. Chippa created opportunities in the first half, while their opponents also had chances, and the game remained finely balanced before the decisive period after the hour.

The coach also pointed to the need for his players to build confidence as they continue working through the season. He said the mistakes that led to the goals were issues the team could address, rather than evidence that Chippa United lacked the quality to compete.

Orlando Pirates’ victory at Kings Stadium completed a difficult afternoon for the hosts, but Truter focused on the longer-term development of his squad. He acknowledged the result and congratulated the winners, while maintaining that Chippa United still have considerable potential to show in the Betway Premiership.