Chronicle EditorInnocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
CHICKEN INN mentor, Joey Antipas and Bulawayo Chiefs gaffer, Thulani Sibanda have both predicted a difficult game when their teams clash in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League derby at Luveve Stadium this afternoon.
The GameCocks may be out of the title race but they want to finish in a respectable position on the table.
Bulawayo Chiefs on the other hand are desperate to survive relegation and will be eager to stun their city rivals fresh from their 1-1 draw against Ngezi Platinum during the week.
The first-leg clash between the two teams earlier in the season at the same venue ended goalless. There is all to play for when the teams meet in the return leg this afternoon.
Chicken Inn are eighth on the table with 36 points from 26 games. Chicken Inn, however, have a game in hand against Dynamos.
This season, the GameCocks have only managed eight victories and recorded a massive 12 draws and six losses.
Chicken Inn coach, Antipas is demanding a strong finish to the season from his charges.
“It’s a tricky assignment being a local derby. Our form this season, we have been blowing hot and cold. Chiefs are a side you can never underrate they have unheralded youngsters who are playing to make a name for themselves and go off to bigger clubs.
They punch above their weight and can beat any team in the league. We have to bring our “A” game on Sunday (today) to topple Chiefs. We have been playing well of late dominating the games but not taking our chances and poor decisions going against us but we will fight to the bitter end to get positive results,” said Antipas.
Bulawayo Chiefs are not safe from relegation with 30 points from 27 games. They are in position 12 on the table.
The team has done well not to drop into the relegation zone considering they had to shake up their squad after losing a majority of their first team players in the mid-season transfer window.
Sibanda is confident they will survive the dreaded chop. “We are ready for the game. It’s going to be a tough assignment, almost similar to our previous game against Ngezi Platinum. But we just need to draw a tough character from the boys for this derby. We are in desperate need of three points and we must fight hard to get those points,” said Sibanda.
In other matches set for this afternoon, Bikita Minerals will face Manica Diamonds at Sakubva Stadium in Mutare while Caps United welcome Yadah at Rufaro Stadium in Harare. Chegutu Pirates and TelOne will square off at Baobab Stadium. – @innocentskizoe.
Online Reporter