adminATTACKING midfielder Thomas Chimenya headed home the solitary goal that kept newboys Chicken Inn’s unbeaten run intact as they dispatched Black Mambas in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Morris Depot yesterday.
The win helped Chicken Inn to start the Easter Holiday as the joint leaders of the PSL log on 10 points along fellow debutants Blue Ribbon who stunned highly fancied CAPS United yesterday.
Chimenya jumped high to nod a cross that had been flighted from the right by Frank Mvula in the 33rd minute.
Mvula beat his marker before whipping a high ball that Chimenya flicked past goalkeeper Didymus Chakabva in goals for Mambas.
The win means that Chicken Inn have continued with their fine start to the elite league following a 2-2 draw to Blue Ribbon in the first game before they posted identical 2-0 wins over Shabanie Mine and Gunners in the next games.
With a little bit of precision, Chicken Inn could have scored more than three goals had their strikers not been wasteful in front of goal.
Qinani Sibanda spurned more than two chances while veteran defender Herbert Dick had his effort collected by Chakabva in the second half.
However, Chicken Inn coach Philani Ncube and his assistant Adam “Adamski” Ndlovu, were pleased with the three precious points earned on the road.
“So far we are improving in each game.
“There is a plus five in each game,” said Ncube.
Ncube said his charges were fired up for the “grudge” match against Black Mambas.
“Already we had a war against Black Mambas.
“Remember it was the same team we played in the play-offs but under a different tag as Sundowns.
“Black Mambas are good side but we had to come and feel them at their home turf and we had our own strengths.
“So far, so good for us,” said Ncube.
Ncube said it’s too early to assess their performance but he believes things will start falling into shape after 10 games.
“Just give us some 10 games and see.
“We are trying to avoid relegation in style and we need to celebrate with those who will be celebrating at the end of the season,” said Ncube.
Not even the presence of former Warriors kingpin Peter Ndlovu, who came off the bench in the 67th minut,e could prevent Mambas from sliding to their third defeat of the season and coach John Ncube was a worried man at the end of the day.
“We failed to utilise the chances that came our way especially in the second half.
“Today, generally we did not play well,” said Ncube.
John Ncube’s charges have now lost three games after losing to Motor Action 2-0 and Blue Ribbon 2-1.
Black Mambas had earned their first set of points with a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe Saints in their last game.
“I get worried if we continue losing points like this at home.
“We should be getting points at home at least,” said John Ncube.
The Mambas coach, however, hopes that his team will start picking up points.
“We are no longer a new team in the Premiership.
“These guys have gelled and should be playing to get results,” he said.
Ndlovu could have rescued a point for his team when he received a pass from the edge of the box but his powerful shot was blocked by Sikhumbuzo Moyo in the 82nd minute.
The former Warriors and Coventry City play-maker has really lost pace but Ncube hopes the younger players at Mambas will draw inspiration from his presence when given cameo roles in the team.
“Peter had not been training with us for the past two weeks because he was in Namibia but we still value him because he is inspirational to the team,” said Ncube.
Fortune Ncube, despite all his industry the whole afternoon, ended up at the losing side as his ferocious free-kicks failed to hit the target.
Teams
Black Mambas: D. Chakabva, G. Chikweva, A. Mususa, P. Kabwe, B. Nyahunzvi, S. Nyoni, A. Amidu (C. Kasimero 67th min), O. Rundofa, F. Ncube, S. Masasa (P. Ndlovu 67th min) L. Kaisa
Chicken Inn: L. Chirava, F. Mvula, G. Makoni, S. Banda, H. Dick, F. Madungwe, T. Goredema ( X. Sibanda 56th min), T. Chimenya, C. Nkomo, H. Masuku, Q. Sibanda (T. Mukambi 83rd min)
Online Reporter