The story of how Dan Malesela has transformed Chippa United from an ordinary team into a well-oiled machine is fascinating.

They may have been knocked out of the MTN8 by Mamelodi Sundowns in the semifinals on Wednesday, but Chippa's commanding performances in the competition were just a glimpse of what's to come this season. Not upset by the semifinal exit, Malesela held his head up high and believes they've taken valuable lessons from their best ever cup run in top-flight football.

"It was the first semifinal for the club and we will learn from here," said Malesela, who was flanked by an impressed Pitso Mosimane of Sundowns at the post-match press conference.

"It's good that we played Sundowns at this stage because there are so many lessons to learn. Sometimes you play somebody and you do not learn anything. There's education here."

After finishing sixth in the league last season and now reaching the cup semifinal, Malesela is aware that they will be more pressure on his shoulders to ensure the team keeps playing with the guts and guile football fanatics have fallen in love with.

"We are always under pressure. There's pressure when you walk in the streets, but this is our job. There's pressure from the chairman, there's pressure everywhere. I must always come up with the solutions."

Chippa visit rookies Baroka in Polokwane in the Absa Premiership on Wednesday.

Weekend Fixtures

Tonight: CPT City v Ajax, Cape Town Stadium, 8pm

Tomorrow: Plat Stars v Baroka, Royal Bafokeng, 3pm; Polokwane City v Highlands, Peter Mokaba, 3pm; Chiefs v Maritzburg, FNB Stadium, 6pm; SuperSport v FS Stars, Lucas Moripe Stadium, 8.15pm; Wits v Pirates, Bidvest Stadium, 8.15pm

Sunday: Celtic v Arrows, Dr. Molemela Stadium, 3pm