Chicken Inn rule themselves out of title race

CHICKEN INN coach, Joey Antipas has ruled his team out of the title race and named present log leaders Simba Bhora, FC Platinum and defending champions Ngezi Platinum Stars as firm favourites to land the 2024 gong.

Antipas watched his team play a goalless draw against Highlanders at the weekend leaving them in position six on the table, 12 points behind leaders Simba Bhora with 24 matches played this season.

Simba Bhora, who beat Bulawayo Chiefs are in pole position with 47 points.

FC Platinum are two points behind the leaders with 45 points.

Simba Bhora declared their intentions to win the league at the beginning of the season and find themselves in a good position to realise that dream.

Antipas, whose side has been inconsistent this season believes that the Shamva-based outfit and the Platinum teams are the favourites for the title.

“To be serious, we are out of it. We just have to play well in the last remaining games and see how far we get. The championship is a contest between Simba Bhora, FC Platinum and Ngezi Platinum. For us, it’s like a rebuilding phase this season.

“I think we could challenge next season,” said Antipas.

Matchday 24 saw FC Platinum drop to second place after they suffered a shock 1-0 loss at the hands of Bikita Minerals at Sakubva Stadium.

The only goal of the match came through the boots of Chris Makambira.

FC Platinum finished the game a man down after defender, Mbongeni Ndlovu was shown a red card.

It was not the only red card of the weekend with Mpumelelo Bhebhe also seeing red in the Bulawayo derby between Chicken Inn and Highlanders.

Rejuvenated Caps United extended their winning run to three games after a 1-0 victory against Manica Diamonds.

Manica Diamonds, on the other hand, have not won in their last 10 league matches.

On the scorers chart, Khama Billiat was on target as Yadah beat Chegutu Pirates 2-0. Billiat moved to 10 goals, same as Caps United’s William Manondo and Simba Bhora’s Tymon Machope.

Walter Musona who was on target for Simba Bhora is on eight goals. — @innocentskizoe.