adminNdlovu roped in former Railstars coach and national Under-20 men’s team assistant Mandla ‘Lulu’ Mpofu into the technical team to deputise him.
There are possibilities that the six players who will fail to win a place in the team will be loaned to clubs of their choice.
Club secretary Tawengwa Hara confirmed the developments but could not be drawn into revealing the training camp base though Ndlovu had earlier indicated that they were going to Inyathi.
“Our preparations have gone according to plan and the team left today (yesterday) for camp. The technical team wants to have uninterrupted time with the players so that they choose their final 30. The other thing about this camp is that the coaches want to cultivate teamwork or team spirit ahead of the new season,” said Hara.
In their maiden season last year, Chicken Inn went for a similar camp at Esigodini. They were under the tutelage of Philani ‘Beefy’ Ncube.
City rivals Highlanders have in the past used Inyathi to prepare for the season.
Chicken Inn attracted a number of experienced players like ex-Hwange and FC Platinum striker Simon Njeleza, former Mwana Africa trio of Munyaradzi Diya, Abraham Mbaiwa and Kevin ‘Skopo’ Sibanda, who turned out for Zimbabwe Saints last season.
Ndlovu moved swiftly during the festive holiday to lure Lenience ‘Qobho’ Mpofu, the Zifa Southern Region Division One Soccer League 2011 top goalscorer with 25 goals in his account.
At the weekend Chicken Inn played to a goalless draw against Motor Action in Gweru.
“There are a number of guys that have joined us and to make sure that everyone pulls in the same direction there is a need for us to go on an uninterrupted training camp for 10 days. We cannot accommodate everyone and we are working on coming up with a final squad. On our return we will let you know which players we are releasing,” said Ndlovu.
Chicken Inn lost Thandazani Ndlovu and Morris Kadzola to FC Platinum and Motor Action respectively.
Goalkeeper Liberty Chirava, Danny Phiri, top striker Evans Chikwaikwai who joined the club during the mid-season transfer window, Canaan Nkomo, Thomas Chimenya, Njabulo Nyoni, Daniel Zokoto, Guide Goddard, Thabani Goredema, Felix Chindungwe, are some of the surviving members from last season.
Online Reporter