Antipas believes again

Langton Nyakwenda

Sports Reporter

CHICKEN INN coach, Joey “Mafero” Antipas, says he can now look forward with optimism after his side finally managed to arrest a worrying win-less streak last weekend.

The Gamecocks had gone for six games without a win when they beat Arenel Movers 1-0 at Luveve, courtesy of a strike from Brian Muza.

That bad patch prompted the club’s executive to issue a statement demanding results.

The Gamecocks posted four draws and two losses before the game against Arenel Movers and club secretary Tavengwa Hara was quoted saying: “These are not statistics that we are used to or situations that we should be forced to get used to.

“We have set ourselves standards which we are recognised with as brand Chicken Inn FC.

“This bar, which we should go back to as a matter of urgency, and the road to that bar should start now.”

The 2015 champions responded and beat Arenel Movers. And Antipas feels that victory, which pushed the Gamecocks to 27 points, was a major relief. But, the Bulawayo side trail leaders FC Platinum by 12 points, going into Match Day 20.

The two teams clash at Luveve tomorrow in a high-stakes contest.

“That victory was a huge relief for us, especially after going through a tough patch. It was good we managed to grind a positive result,” Antipas told Zimpapers Sports yesterday.

Antipas returned to his post as head coach at the beginning of the season, replacing his protégé Prince Matore who failed to stamp his authority last season.

The veteran gaffer recruited several new faces including Elshaamar Farasi and Brendon Mpofu who were with Highlanders and Dynamos respectively.

But things have not gone according to plan for Antipas who has managed six wins, nine draws, and five losses.

And tomorrow, Chicken Inn square up against an FC Platinum side that has not tasted defeat in the last 10 rounds.

“FC Platinum are the log leaders, they have a rich vein of form, so it’s going to be a tough one for us,” reckons Antipas.

“But all we can do is to hope that we can give them a good game and make it tight for them.”

Antipas believes Chicken Inn can have a decent second half of the season.

“We brought in a couple of new faces, so, during the first half of the season, it was mainly about getting the combinations right.

“Things are slowly taking shape now and we hope for a better second half,” said the two-time Premier Soccer League championship-winning coach.