Antipas puts faith in Augusto

Bruce Chikuni

CHICKEN Inn coach, Joey Antipas, has given his backing to forward, Clive Augusto, amid reports that he could be shown the exit.

Antipas also confirmed that the club has retained goalkeeper, Donovan Bernard who was on several clubs’ wish list.

Augusto returned to the country last year to join CAPS United following an unsuccessful spell in South Africa’s DStv League.

He struggled to raise the bar at the Green Machine and was offloaded towards the mid-season break together with other six players for allegedly masterminding a players’ revolt.

Antipas bailed him out, but Augusto failed to hit the mark as he finished the season without netting for the Gamecocks.

However, Antipas has opted to hand the gangly forward a second chance.

“Players go through ups and downs, and I believe Augusto is still one of the best strikers in the league.

“I believe his season was heavily affected because he didn’t have a proper pre-season.

“I’m expecting him to give us his best version, but we are not going to pile pressure on him to deliver,” said Antipas.

Chicken Inn secured a silver medal last season and goalkeeper Bernard was one of the driving forces behind their campaign.

He finished second in the Golden Glove race with 18 clean sheets, just one behind eventual winner, Nelson Chadya of Ngezi Platinum Stars.

Bernard missed three of the club’s assignments after travelling to South Africa to negotiate a deal with a South African First Division team.

It was during his absence that the Gamecocks lost their grip in the championship race.

Dynamos were said to be eyeing the 27-year-old’s signature.

Simba Bhora were also reported to be keen on getting him on board.

But Antipas revealed the significance of Bernard’s return to the squad.

“We have already started our pre-season and the good thing is Bernard is still part of this family.” he said.

“Everyone is in a good space. The boys are showing positive energy.

“We are still planning to bring in a few players before the season kicks off.”

The duo of Brett Amidu and Malvin Gaki have left the Gamecocks.

Amidu joined Manica Diamonds and Gaki was roped in by Ngezi Platinum Stars.