ANTIPAS ZONING IN ON FC PLATINUM TEST

Innocent Kurira

Zimpapers Sports Hub

CHICKEN Inn head coach Joey Antipas says all attention is on this weekend’s Castle Lager Premiership clash against FC Platinum, even as transfer chatter continues to link Lynoth Chikuhwa with a sensational mid-season switch.

While talk of the former Golden Boot winner rejoining the Gamecocks on loan has generated buzz, Antipas insists the immediate priority is preparing for what he expects to be an emotional and high stakes battle in Zvishavane.

“Platinum are a very strong, good side,” Antipas said.

“Their start had a lot of draws. Had they converted three or four of those into wins, they could easily be on top of the table. We have to go into this match with confidence.

‘‘Lately, we’ve been doing okay, but there’s still a lot of work to be done if we’re to climb the standings.”

Chicken Inn head into the encounter sitting 11th on the log with 20 points from 18 matches. Last week’s 2-1 win over Yadah was only their second home victory of the season, and a result they hope to build on.

But Antipas knows Mandava Stadium offers one of the toughest away trips in local football.

“They didn’t play last weekend after losing one of their beloved players, Brian Banda.

‘‘That makes them even more dangerous. I’m sure they’ll want to dedicate this game to him, so we can’t afford to let our guard down,” he said. “Add to that, they’ll be playing at home, Mandava is a real fortress. This won’t be easy.”

He added, “We won last week, and it’s always good to win. But we have to be more consistent.”

On the transfer front, Antipas didn’t deny the club’s interest in Chikuhwa but downplayed the timing of the move.

“It’s a bit premature to talk about us getting Chikuhwa,” he said. “But we will be making additions to the squad in this window.”

Chikuhwa, who bagged 17 goals for Highlanders last season, has endured a difficult start to life at Scottland, managing just one goal so far.

A return to Bulawayo could offer the 25-year-old a chance to regain confidence and form.

Weekend Fixtures

Saturday

Herentals College v Simba Bhora (Rufaro Stadium)

TelOne v Dynamos (Ascot Stadium)

ZPC Kariba v Manica Diamonds (Nyamhunga Stadium)

FC Platinum v Chicken Inn (Mandava Stadium)

Yadah v MWOS (Heart Stadium)