Eric Chipeta
Chipeta joined the Port Elizabeth-based outfit last year, after he had impressed them at the Chan tournament, held in South Africa. He has since established himself as the club’s first choice right-back.
The Zimbabwe national team star has been on fire since the start of the current Absa Premiership season, scoring three goals in six league matches and prompting his former coach Dube to predict even better days ahead for the player.
“I can see him going far and playing for one of the big clubs in South Africa because he has the potential. I am not surprised that he is scoring regularly at Chippa because he used to do that for us as well,†said Dube in a recent interview. “He is very dangerous going forward, and he also takes his free kicks really well.â€
Although he often plays at right-back for his club, Chipeta has also been used as a centre-back in the national team. He forged a solid partnership with Czech-based Costa Nhamoinesu in the heart of the Zimbabwe defence in the 1-1 draw against Guinea last month.
Dube said the 25-year-old was more of a utility player who excels even in midfield; “I can’t really say what his best position is, it all depends on how a coach wants to use him. At Hwange, we would use him at right-back sometimes because he is very good going forward.
“But there were also times when we needed his organisation and leadership qualities in central defence. He can also play in midfield as the anchor man, he is an all-rounder,†Dube added.