Chicken Inn off to Kariba as Namibian star Kikupembe joins squad

FORMER Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions Chicken Inn yesterday embarked on a one-week pre-season-camp in the resort town of Kariba.

The Gamecocks, who are expected back in the city next Sunday, left the City of Kings and Queens in the early hours of yesterday, with their full squad and members of the technical team.

“It’s a one week bonding exercise. We will back in the city on Sunday next week,” said Chicken Inn media officer Brighton Ncube.

“We are seeking to build a family, we will be reconnecting and in the process seeking to build a new squad. We are going to Kariba to recharge and all I can say is that the mood has been amazing in our camp in this rebuilding exercise.”

The Gamecocks embarked on a rebuilding exercise that saw them hire a new technical staff that is headed by two-time championship winning coach Tonderayi Ndiraya.

Ndiraya leads a Gamecococks technical team that also has his close associate Naison Muchekela and Fortune “Fokoza” Ncube as first and second assistant coaches respectively.

Muchekela took over from Philani Mabhena and Ncube replaced Guide Goddard who is now with the club’s developmental side as head coach.

Goddard is assisted by his former teammates Ben Nyahunzvi and Danny “Deco” Phiri.

The club also brought in their ex-holding midfielder Tafadzwa Raphael Kutinyu as Performance Analyst.
Zwanayi Kawadza is now the team’s goalkeepers coach.

He replaced Energy Murambadoro who is now in the books of Simba Bhora together with Mabhena.
The Gamecocks are not the only PSL club that has engaged in an out of town pre-season workout amid revelations that Harare giants travelled Dynamos travelled to Hwange for their affection attachment.
Meanwhile, the Simbisa Brands sponsored outfit yesterday revealed that they have managed to land the signature of Namibian player Tyrese Kikupembe.

Also in the Gamecocks squad is ex-Simba Bhora and Scottland FC attacking midfielder Vassilli Kawe, gifted and attacking midfielder Temptation Chiwunga and goalkeeper Taimon Mvula among others.

The trio joined a squad that already had experienced goal minder Donovan Bernard, skilfull George Majika, Itai Mabhunu and Mpumelelo Bhebhe among others. —@FungaiMuderere