Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
STILL reeling from a bruising 3–1 defeat at the hands of Highlanders, Chicken Inn coach Tonderayi Ndiraya has issued a stern warning ahead of yet another combustible Bulawayo derby, this time against city rivals Bulawayo Chiefs in one of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Week Nine fixtures set for tomorrow.
The Gamecocks were left nursing their wounds on Wednesday after being undone by Bosso, and Ndiraya has made no attempt to sugar-coat the blow or its implications.
“Derbies are always difficult. Losing to Highlanders was a wake-up call. Bulawayo Chiefs are a very good side. After this huge setback (losing to Highlanders), we will need to remain focused and look for a good result,” he admitted.
And if history is any guide, Chiefs will sense opportunity.
The last time the two Bulawayo rivals crossed paths in a high-stakes setting — the Bulawayo Province Independence Cup final at White Stadium — it was Bulawayo Chiefs who emerged smiling. After regulation time ended in a tense stalemate, the Ninjas held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout, edging Chicken Inn 3–2 in a heart-stopping tie-breaker that left the Gamecocks deflated.
Now, with pride bruised and pressure steadily mounting, Chicken Inn head into yet another city showdown desperate to avoid the pain of back-to-back derby disappointments.
Standing firmly in their path, however, is a confident Bulawayo Chiefs side that has already shown it can outmanoeuvre and outgun the Gamecocks when the stakes are highest.
As they approach this latest clash, Amakhosi Amahle — as Bulawayo Chiefs are affectionately known — arrive buoyed by a hard-earned away draw against an unpredictable ZPC Kariba side at Nyamhunga on Wednesday, a result that underlined their resilience and growing belief.
One city, two rivals, no margin for error. Bulawayo is bracing itself for another derby storm.
Elsewhere in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Week Nine programme, FC Hunters will host Triangle United, while Manica Diamonds face a tricky encounter against Hardrock at Greenfuel Arena. At Ngoni Stadium in Norton, MWOS will take on defending champions Scottland FC. Ngezi Platinum Stars will square off against Agama at Mhondoro’s Baobab Stadium, while Mandla Mpofu’s Simba Bhora lock horns with FC Platinum at Wadzanayi.
On Sunday, Dynamos will welcome ZPC Kariba in what promises to be another closely watched fixture.
Bulawayo Chiefs versus Chicken Inn Head-to-Head
2018
Byo Chiefs 0 Chicken Inn 2
Chicken Inn 0 Byo Chiefs 1
2019
Chicken Inn 2 Byo Chiefs 0
Byo Chiefs 3 Chicken Inn 1
2022
Chicken Inn 2 Byo Chiefs 1
Byo Chiefs 1 Chicken Inn 3
2023
Byo Chiefs 2 Chicken Inn 2
Chicken Inn 1 Byo Chiefs 1
2024
Byo Chiefs 0 Chicken Inn 0
Chicken Inn 2 Byo Chiefs 0
As history shows, little separates these two sides — and when they collide, form often counts for little.
@FungaiMuderere
