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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
CHICKEN Inn have thanked fans that thronged Barbourfields Stadium on Saturday to cheer them on in their splendid 1-0 win over crack South African side Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the Caf Champions League preliminary round. The Gamecocks stunned the on-fire Brazilians through a fantastic first half goal by striker Michelle Katsvairo. If Chicken Inn can replicate the same performance in Pretoria in a fortnight’s time, they can as well extend the Brazilians’ poor run in the African safari that has seen the South Africans struggling to go past the group stages.
In fact, had Chicken Inn been more precise in front of goal, Sundowns would have been hugely embarrassed as coach Joe Antipas’ side could have netted about three times.
Although the fans came in their thousands to rally behind Chicken Inn, the club’s executive should take some flak for ordering only 9,000 tickets and opening a few gates at the stadium resulting in people spending long periods in the queues. Some fans were still queuing even at half time.
An elated Chicken Inn boss Lifa Ncube took to the social media to express his club’s gratitude to all fans that came to support his team.
“Thank you to the thousands that came to BF to rally behind the Gamecocks today (Saturday). Your support meant a lot and we’re very grateful. Someone had to stop this team and as it so happens, the Chicken prevailed,” wrote Ncube on his Facebook wall.
The match was also watched by Sport and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane, Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda, board member Edzayi Kasinauyo and the legendary Peter Ndlovu, the Sundowns’ team manager.
Ndlovu was given a standing ovation by the fans as he made his way into the stands.
Online Reporter