Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube
CHICKEN Inn’s shaky campaign has been thrown into deeper chaos following the suspension of towering centre back Itai Mabhunu, a key cog in the Gamecocks’ defence.
As the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League enters a crucial phase, the Bulawayo-based side faces fellow relegation strugglers, Yadah, without their defensive pillar. Mabhunu’s absence comes at the worst possible time, with Chicken Inn desperate to stop their freefall and climb out of the danger zone.
Mabhunu has been the anchor in the heart of the Gamecocks’ backline, forming a solid partnership with Mpumelelo Bhebhe and Lincoln Maingire, giving confidence to outgoing goalkeeper Donovan Bernard, who is heading to South Africa.
With Mabhunu side-lined, Coach Joey Antipas is left scratching his head. His team may be conceding few goals, but they are also struggling to find the net — a double blow that has kept the former champions in the bottom half of the table.
All eyes will now be on Dominic Jaricha, the hardworking utility man tipped to fill the void left by the suspended defender.
But Chicken Inn are not alone in this selection headache. The PSL disciplinary axe has fallen on six other players across the league.
Yadah, who face Chicken Inn, are also limping into the clash without Sonny Kevin Mewali, adding a layer of unpredictability to the encounter.
Defending champions Simba Bhora, have suffered the biggest blow of the round. Their Saturday showdown with ZPC Kariba at Wadzanayi Stadium will go ahead without two of their stars — William Thole and national team hopeful, Isheanesu Mauchi.
Elsewhere, Talent Chamboko will be missing from Ngezi Platinum when they visit GreenFuel in the tricky Eastern Lowveld tie.
Harare giants Dynamos, already on the ropes with a horror start to the season, will be without Abel Gwatidzo as they square off against Herentals College at Rufaro Stadium. Many believe if DeMbare do not turn things around in the second half of the season, they may suffer a humiliating drop from the topflight.
Manica Diamonds midfielder, Lawrence Masibhera, has also earned himself a rest after picking up three yellow cards. However, his team will not be in action this weekend, as their match has been postponed due to the passing of FC Platinum’s Brian Banda.
Suspension List This Weekend:
Itai Mabhunu (Chicken Inn)
Sonny Kevin Mewali (Yadah)
William Thole (Simba Bhora)
Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora)
Talent Chamboko (Ngezi Platinum)
Abel Gwatidzo (Dynamos)
Lawrence Masibhera (Manica Diamonds)
With the title race heating up and the relegation dogfight tightening, these suspensions could make all the difference. Expect drama. Expect surprises.
