Sibonokuhle Mboni, [email protected]
CHICKEN Inn Pullets coach Charles Dliwayo says the Bulawayo Province Women’s Football League title race is “far from being decided” after his side were held to a goalless draw by Future Legends on Matchday 20 with six games and 18 points still to play for.
The result kept Chicken Inn unbeaten this season. It came on the same day Sibanye Academy thrashed Street Set 9-1 a result that keeps pressure on the log leaders.
Dliwayo said both teams went into the match desperate for maximum points which produced a fast and fiery contest.
“We needed a win just as much as Future Legends and this led to the high, explosive tempo that characterised the match,” he said.
“Taking a point from this game was much appreciated, although we would have loved to win.”
With more twists expected at the top of the log Dliwayo said his charges will fight harder for every remaining point.
“The title race is far from being decided. With six more games to be played, that is 18 points to play for. Our target is to fight harder for those points.”
Chicken Inn’s clean record owes more to consistency than ambition according to the coach who said going the season without defeat was never a stated target.
“When the season commenced, we did not set a target to finish without a loss. To be at this time of the season with no defeat is a reflection of the hard work we have exerted as a team, in training, in games and also the administration, he said.”
“We intend to continue working hard and see where the remaining matches take us.”
Dliwayo warned against complacency saying that football’s unpredictability demands total focus in the run-in.
“The appeal of football lies in its capacity to surprise so there is no room for complacency. We will approach the next match with the seriousness we have applied to every game. All the players are working extra hard to carry our ambitions forward which is the positive attitude needed for the task ahead.”
The coach also paid tribute to Sibanye Academy striker Shantel Siziba, whose 51 goals this season have made her the league’s most feared marksman. Chicken Inn he said are among very few sides to have kept her quiet.
“Shantel’s tally of 51 goals is a remarkable feat and is commendable. Most, if not all, teams have failed to stop her from scoring at will, with the exception of us, he said.”
Rather than relying on one scorer, Chicken Inn spread their goals across the team, he said.
“We just have to continue scoring goals and luckily our goals are coming from almost every player. That is our only answer to Shantel’s prowess in front of goal.”
