adminChicken Inn go into the weekend game bubbling with confidence following their 2-0 win over former champions Caps United in Harare last weekend.
The game was abandoned in the 92nd minute with Chicken Inn leading 2-0 after Caps United supporters began throwing missiles onto the field.
The fast food outlets-sponsored club which is being coached by former Highlanders and Warriors striker Adam Ndlovu got their goals from Leanance “Qobho”Mpofu and ex-Soccer Star of the Year Evans Chikwayikwayi.
Mpofu will miss the Bulawayo derby due to suspension following a red card he picked in Harare with fellow striking partner Thomas Chimenya watching from the terraces after picking an injury during the match against Caps United.
Defenders Brian Mbiriri and Moses Jackson were also injured in that game leading to Ndlovu playing attacking linkman Canaan Nkomo as leftback while Brighton
Dube who is on loan from FC Platinum played on the right side of defence.
The Chicken Inn gaffer predicted a tough game against pointless Quelaton.
“Derbies are always difficult and anything can happen. It will be a tricky game because most of these players know each other.
“Despite the fact that we are coming from a good outing, that Caps United match is now water under the bridge and we just have to focus on Quelaton. We will not underrate them,” said Ndlovu.
He said Jackson would be subjected to a late fitness test.
Former Bantu Rovers and Railstars’ defender Julius Daudi is likely to start on the left side of defence as Mbiriri is injured while Dube might get the nod ahead of Jackson.
Ndlovu will have to choose from Chikwayikwayi, Daniel Zokoto, Tendai Mukambi and young Marshal Marime for his strikeforce.
Other players to look out for at Chicken Inn include Guide Goddard, goalkeeper Njabulo Nyoni, Nkomo, Danny Phiri, Felix Chindungwe and their rock solid skipper Herbert Dick.
Quelaton’s coach Thulani ‘Thuts’ Sibanda was confident that his team will register positive results at the weekend.
His side lost 4-3 against Hwange at the Colliery Stadium and 3-0 at home to Shabanie Mine on Good Friday.
“This weekend we are looking for- ward to a better result and we have been busy working on our defence line which has been shaky. Every game is important to us but since this is a derby, it is motivating for the players. We are going to do our best to make sure that we get a positive result,” Sibanda said.
He said they were still pursuing licences for six of their players Arnold ‘Majaivana’ Tshuma, Marshal Machazane, Phakamani Dube, Fortune Nyambosi, Moses Majika and Timothy January.
Quelaton will put their hopes on their double scorer against Hwange, Kundishora Chakanyuka, Eddie Nkulungo who converted from the penalty spot against the coalminers, former AmaZulu, Lancashire Steel and Hwange defender Prince ‘Ndongo’ Ncube, Tedious Mugumanya formerly with Douglas Warriors and goalkeeper
Lovemore Makwavarara who have Premiership experience to bank on.
New signings, ex-Highlanders and Umnungwane FC junior player Mpumelelo Moyo and Zibusiso Sibanda, on a good day are capable of upsetting Chicken Inn.
Fixtures
Tomorrow: Dynamos v Monomotapa (NSS), Black Mambas v Buffaloes (Morris Depot), Chicken Inn v Quelaton (Luveve), Harare City v Gunners (Gwanzura)
Sunday: Highlanders v Hardbody (Barbourfields), Hwange v FC Platinum (Colliery), Motor Action v Caps United (Gwanzura), Shabanie Mine v Blue Rangers (Maglas).
Online Reporter