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Chicken Inn chairman Lifa Ncube reported a clean bill of health from his team’s medical department.
He said they were looking forward to the challenge which he predicted would not be an easy match.
“We have no injury worries. Everyone in camp is preparing for the game anticipating victory at the end,” said Ncube.
The game is set to be the season’s biggest in the city after the last match between Bosso and Hwange attracted a good 9 000 fans.
After a good start to the season, Chicken Inn have been on a slide losing consecutive matches for a mid table position which they are eager to improve on.
Felix Chidungwe, Canaan Nkomo, Evans Chikwaikwai, Brian Mbiriri and Tendai Ndoro are the players the fastfood chain guys will pin their hopes on for salvation on Sunday.
Like any derby, it will not boil to the ingenuity of Adam Ndlovu and Mandla Mpofu on the Chicken Inn bench nor Kelvin Kaindu, Bekithemba Ndlovu and Tembo Chuma on the Bosso technical team.
It is the bragging rights the boys will battle for and Highlanders seem to have an advantage. They are at the top of the log and playing some breathtaking football that former coach Barry Daka has predicted could take them far.
Milton Ncube, Graham Ncube and Peter “Rio” Moyo will carry Amahlolanyama’s hopes for maximum points over the Gamecocks.
A fierce but closely fought battle is on the cards if the referees come to the party.
The weekend action begins on Saturday with two matches.
Championship favourites FC Platinum, who have rubbished talk that the club could change ownership, will be at home to struggling Bulawayo boys, Quelaton. The miners will miss coach Rahman Gumbo and Charles Sibanda who will be part of the team that leaves for Mozambique for a World Cup qualifier tomorrow.
Welcome Ndiweni, described as a scandalous inclusion in the Warriors set up despite not commanding a regular jersey at FC Platinum’s starting line up, could be released for the match.
Mhleli Sibanda and Innocent Kutsanzira whose stock continues to rise with each outing and have attracted interest from other clubs, will be the men to watch out for from Quelaton.
The star-studded Zvishavane side will count on stylish and talented Ali Sadiki, Joel Ngodzo and Daniel Vheremu to carry the day for them.
On paper FC Platinum have a better midfield but are warned to guard against complacency as Farai Sibanda’s men will come at them with all guns blazing in search of maximum points. The Bulawayo Premiership debutants will have all to fight for as they seek to move off the bottom of the log.
Saturday’s second match will feature BancABC sponsored Black Mambas and Motor Action at Morris Depot.
The cops are struggling for survival under Moses Chunga’s command.
Coal miners Hwange are home to Shabanie Mine in a match reminiscent of the good old days when the two giants clashed in Chamber of Mine games. The Colliery side will count on home ground advantage and the availability of at least one of their players called up in the stuttering Warriors — Timothy Sibanda, Francisco Zvikumbawire and Ronald Chinyengetere.
A fourth player is with the Zambian national team. It could not be established last night whether tough defender Aaron Katebe would be available for selection since he did not make the cut into the Zambian side that lost 2-0 to Sudan in Khartoum on Saturday.
Newboys in the Premiership, Hardbody of Gweru, will be home to Caps United in a what could be a thrilling game.
Hardbody have an exciting midfield in which Richard Jongwe thrives on runs and taking on his opponents to set up forwards Michael Mageja and Tapiwa Marime.
Caps are slowly redeeming themselves after a poor start and will be hoping for a successful out-of-town excursion.
PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele confirmed the weekend fixtures yesterday.
Dynamos were due to play Harare City but have three players in the national team to face Mozambique at the weekend — Takesure Chinyama, Denver Mukamba and Partson Jaure.
Fixtures
Saturday: FC Platinum v Quelaton (Mandava), Black Mambas v Motor Action (Morris Depot)
Sunday: Highlanders v Chicken Inn (Barbourfields), Buffaloes v Gunners (Sakubva), Hwange v Shabanie (Colliery), Hardbody v Caps United (Ascot), Monomotapa v Blue Rangers (Rufaro), Dynamos v Harare City (postponed)
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