Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
WITH the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season heading towards a tense conclusion, Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas says his side cannot afford any slip-ups as they travel to Baobab Stadium for a tricky encounter against Ngezi Platinum Stars on Saturday.
With only two rounds remaining, the Gamecocks find themselves embroiled in the relegation battle. They sit 11th on the table, level on 37 points with Highlanders, Manica Diamonds and Dynamos — all hovering perilously close to the drop zone.
Antipas is fully aware of the stakes.
“With two games left, there should be no room for errors. We just have to be extra careful and cut out the mistakes that have hurt us this season. We have to go there and fight against a very good team,” said the Chicken Inn coach.
His side will face a Ngezi Platinum outfit sitting fourth with 54 points, still eager to finish strongly in front of their home supporters. Antipas acknowledged that fatigue has begun to set in but remains confident his squad will be ready.
“Fatigue does play a part at this stage of the season. However, we have to stay focused. We have some slight knocks, but we are optimistic that everyone will be available for selection,” he said.
Last weekend, Chicken Inn were held to a 1-1 draw by CAPS United at Luveve Stadium. Michael Charamba’s opener was cancelled out by a glancing header from veteran forward Ishmael Wadi.
Ngezi Platinum, meanwhile, were stunned 1-0 by Manica Diamonds after winger Anelka Chiwandire’s diving header in the 28th minute secured a rare home victory for the Mutare side.
Ngezi coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva is expecting another demanding fixture.
“We will have to fight again, but it’s not always easy to face teams that are fighting relegation. They (Chicken Inn) naturally come at us, and we are bracing for another challenging match,” he said.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Week 33
Fixtures
ZPC Kariba v TelOne
(Nyamhunga Stadium)
FC Platinum v Herentals
(Mandava Stadium)
Yadah Stars v Dynamos
(Ngoni Stadium)
Bikita Minerals v Simba Bhora
(Sakubva Stadium)
Ngezi Platinum Stars v Chicken Inn (Baobab Stadium)
CAPS United v MWOS
(Rufaro Stadium)
Triangle v Kwekwe United
(Gibbo Stadium)
Scottland v Greenfuel
(Wadzanayi Stadium)
