Antipas challenges Gamecocks players

CHICKEN INN coach Joey Antipas says his charges should be at their best if they are to come back with points from Mandava Stadium, where they face FC Platinum tomorrow afternoon.

The fixture is one of the biggest in a busy Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Easter programme.

With both sides having started the season well, FC Platinum will be the more confident of the two teams having won their opening two games while Chicken Inn has won once and drawn the other.

Last season FC Platinum completed a double over Chicken Inn, winning 2-0 at Mandava before a 1-0 victory at Luveve Stadium.

Antipas admits his team will not have it easy against the former champions.

“It’s one of the big games in the country. These are two top teams and you can expect a good game of football. FC Platinum have had a good start, which means we have to bring our ‘A’ game if we are to get anything from this game. We are playing away from home and it’s not going to be easy,” said Antipas.

He says he is uncertain on the availability of goalkeeper Bernard Donovan who is on national team duty. “Everyone is raring to go. We have a clean bill of health. The only doubt is Donovan because we are not yet sure when he arrives,” said Antipas.

Last season, FC Platinum finished in fourth position. FC Platinum who are hoping to reclaim the title they lost to Ngezi Platinum Stars last season, appear to have done good business on the market.

They brought in Mbongeni Ndlovu and Brighton Manhire both formerly with Highlanders.

Pure Platinum Play also managed to get the signature of Herentals star midfielder Davison Marowa.

To reinforce their midfield, they also roped in Shepherd Mhlanga from Chicken Inn.

They replaced goalie Petros Mhari with David Bizabani, who spent last season in Greenfuel books.

PSL Week Three Fixtures

Thursday March 28

CAPS United v Bikita Minerals (Rufaro), Arenel Movers v Herentals (Luveve), FC Platinum v Chicken Inn (Mandava), ZPC Kariba v Ngezi

Platinum Stars (Nyamhunga), Greenfuel v TelOne (Greenfuel Arena), Manica Diamonds v Chegutu Pirates (Sakubva)

Friday March 29

Highlanders v Simba Bhora (Barbourfields), Hwange v Bulawayo Chiefs (Colliery Stadium), Yadah Stars v Dynamos (Rufaro)