Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHICKEN INN head coach, Joey Antipas, believes his charges are finally ready to end their winless streak when they face Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium today — and he’s banking on desire, grit and a bit of overdue luck to turn the tide.
After five games without a win — four draws and one loss — the Gamecocks have managed just a single goal, a stat that leaves Antipas eager for redemption.
“It’s going to be a tricky tie for us. We need to go there and fight. We need to grind for a positive result,” said Antipas.
He added: “The boys are itching for a win and we’re very confident after fighting hard in regulation time and extra time in the past matches. We’ve just been unfortunate — we should have won some of those games. We’re working hard on our confidence levels and come Sunday, all I can say is: “It’s game on.”
The only goal Chicken Inn have scored came from Brian Muza, in a 1–1 draw against FC Platinum. That toothless attack has placed assistant coach Fungai “Tostao” Kwashi, who oversees the strike force, under quiet but mounting scrutiny.
“Our major problem is in the attack,” Antipas admitted.
“Goals are not coming and we need to fix that. Only with goals can we begin to win games or grind out meaningful results.”
A major reason for the team’s poor start lies in their off-season exodus. Striker Malvin Hwata, joined Simba Bhora, midfield workhorses Danny Phiri and Raphael Kutinyu moved on, and dependable goalkeeper,Pride Zendera also left.
To fill the gaps, Antipas recruited a blend of young hopefuls and journeymen from Division One and fellow PSL outfits. Among them are Tinashe Mashaineri and Edward Musena from Kwekwe United and Kumbirai Nyamutenha from Chinhoyi Stars. Experienced PSL campaigners, Tadiwa Muchenje (Bulawayo Chiefs), Walter Vuwa (Ngezi Platinum Stars) and Aron Ngwenya (Arenel Movers) have also joined the ranks.
Still, results haven’t followed. With only four points from five outings and one goal to show for their efforts, Chicken Inn sits 15th on the log with a 27 percent success rate.
“It’s sad that we are not scoring,” said Antipas. “In some games, we’ve been creating chances but in others, we were very poor — we didn’t come to the party. In football, sometimes you need luck, but you have to work to earn it.” —@FungaiMuderere
