PE, Chiefs, bring back good memories for Chapman



19 November 2009

Santos striker Ryan Chapman has fond memories of playing against Kaizer Chiefs in Port Elizabeth.

Two seasons ago, Chapman scored on debut against the AmaKhosi in a 3-1 win.

“It’s hard to explain how I felt, but as a new player to score in front of a packed stadium, on debut, it was just an awesome feeling – I had been happy just to have had the chance to play,” Chapman told Santosfc.co.za.

The Benoni-born 22-year-old scored twice in Santos’ last match – a 4-0 win over Maritzburg United, and feels his is on top of his game at the moment.

“I have worked very hard this season and was happy to take my chance when it came. All the Santos players, those in the starting XI, and those outside of it, are in good form, so it’s difficult to hold onto one’s jersey, but the competition is good,” he explains.

Compared with the following Chiefs attract, most clubs in the PSL are seen as ‘small’ teams compared to the AmaKhosi.

Chiefs will certainly have the majority of the fans behind them on Friday night when the two sides clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, but Chapman believes that if Chiefs do not pay Santos the respect they deserve, it could be to the Soweto side’s peril.

“I think that Chiefs in the past have underestimated us, but with our recent results against them, they should. be very cautious.”

Chapman was also on target when Santos beat Chiefs 3-0 away from home in Pretoria last season, the other two goals coming from Romano Scott.

Meanwhile, Santos goal keeper Tshepo Motsoeneng has fully recovered from the hand injury he suffered against Maritzburg United and will be available for selection.