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Allan Foti
CHICKEN Inn meet Highlanders this afternoon in what looks set to be a crucial game in both teams’ seasons. More than most derby clashes, today’s sees the pair come together at a crucial juncture.
While Highlanders have not won a match since July, Chicken Inn started the campaign hesitantly, but after securing some impressive victories, they are good to claim a top-three spot if not the title itself in the Castle Premiership.
Highlanders, meanwhile, could not have been more underwhelming since the turn of the season and an unfortunate announcement by their Dutch Guvnor Erol Akbay. The Dutchman has failed to ignite Bosso despite early promise that included the scalp of bitter rivals Dynamos in the league for the first time in 10 years. Currently they sit in a disappointing tenth place and are seriously in need of a big win to lift their spirits. Consequently, this afternoon’s derby is one of opportunity for both sides. But it will also be an intensely tactical affair. Here, Sunday News Sport provides a comprehensive analysis of what to expect.
Chicken Inn
Choking, the yips, the runs, call it what you will. And Chicken Inn appears to have it. For a while it looked like Chicken Inn would best their championship rivals but as we enter the business end of the season, they appear to be stumbling. Crucially the gap never grew bigger, Dynamos, FC Platinum and Ngezi Platinum stayed on their shoulder and with Chicken Inn’s 1-0 defeat to Caps United in midweek the other three title aspirants now appear to have the momentum.
A victory against Bosso today will arrest a run of poor form and keep Chicken Inn in the hunt and within touching distance of their championship rivals. Anything short of three points could signal an end to Rahman Gumbo’s title hopes and see his side end the season empty handed after being dumped out of the Chibuku Super Cup by Yadah.
Highlanders
Highlanders have not won a football match following the coach’s shock announcement that he would be leaving at the end of the season, Highlanders boss Akbay has had a turbulent run since the midseason. They have struggled for goals despite sometimes playing some of the best football in the league this season.
The promise and hope that had pervaded the Bosso family at the beginning of the season has been quickly forgotten amid the Amin Soma-Cosmas Zulu saga, Akbay’s imminent departure, Roderick Mutuma’s half season stay and Prince Dube’s departure. Akbay now knows just what life is like at one of the country’s biggest club.
Nine matches produced only one victory, six goals, five losses, three draws and conceded 11 goals. A defeat today could see a premature end to Akbay’s stay at the Bulawayo giants and add to the executive’s woes in the eyes of the fans.
Probable line-ups
Chicken Inn 4-4-2 or 3-5-2: Elvis Chipezeze, Passmore Bernard, Divine Lunga, Moses Jackson, Ben Nyahunzvi, Thabani Goredema, Clemence Matawu, Innocent Mucheneka, Chris Samakweri, Obadiah Tarumbwa, Daryl Nyandoro
Highlanders 4-4-2 or 4-3-3: Ariel Sibanda, Benson Phiri, Tendai Ndlovu, Honest Moyo, Peter Muduhwa, Tendai Ngulube, Rahman Kutsanzira, Brian Banda, King Nadolo, Ralph Matema, Nhlanhla Ndlovu
Tactics
Chicken Inn
Normally kicking off with a basic 4-4-2 formation, coach Rahman Gumbo has the arsenal to switch to 3-5-2 to dominate the midfield and stifle their opponents. A lot will depend on the mobility of the attacking duo of Obadiah Tarumbwa and Darryl Nyandoro supported by the ingenuity of young Innocent Mucheneka and the ageless Clement Matawu and Chris Samakweri.
In central midfield Thabani Goredema will be tasked with breaking down and holding the Bosso midfield and provide a pivot for attack. In defence ‘Rush’ will expect a more cohesive performance that the last two which saw them lose to Yadah and Caps United.
Highlanders
Akbay favours either a simple 4-4-2 or modifies it to a 4-3-3 to add more power and movement to the attack.
Rahman Kustanzira and King Nadolo will have the responsibility of providing the creative genius to unlock the Gamecocks’ midfield and defence. The duo’s form will be pivotal towards creating chances for the strike duo of veteran Ralph Matema and his strike partner Nhlanhla Ndlovu.
In the last nine matches, Highlanders have been able to run rings around opponents but just cannot seem to convert this dominance into goals.
Who will win the battle for Bulawayo?
Despite the prevailing wobble Highlanders’ players seemed to have taken to Akbay like a fish to water and although results have been hard to come by, they have consistently played good football.
On the other hand, Chicken Inn have had to work hard to absorb Gumbo’s philosophy while dealing with the loss of key players such former captain Danny ‘Deco’ Phiri and Tafadzwa Kutinyu.
The poor form at both clubs will surely hit Chicken Inn harder because of their championship aspirations. Consequently, the former will go into this derby as the better-prepared side by quite some distance.
Gumbo may be able to motivate his players for a one-off game, however. And with a high press, he could disrupt the Akbay’s buildup, at least in the game’s opening. But as the match wears on, it is reasonable to expect that Highlanders, with their finely tuned passing patterns, cohesive possession game and clearer setup, will take over to secure a vital three points and improve their position on the log standings. -@AllanFoti.
Online Reporter