Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHICKEN Inn have declared war on flamboyant Castle Lager Premier Soccer League log leaders Scottland FC, vowing not to tremble when the two clash this afternoon at Barbourfields Stadium.
Club spokesperson Nkululeko Nkala fired the first shot, insisting the Gamecocks are not shaken by Tonderai Ndiraya’s high-flying Scotts, who landed at Joshua Mqabuko International Airport last night for the blockbuster fixture.
“They are the log leaders but we are not intimidated,” said Nkala. “It’s a tricky tie and a difficult game but we will push and match them pound for pound.”
For Chicken Inn, every point is crucial as they are not yet mathematically safe from relegation, while the Scotts are desperately guarding their top spot with Simba Bhora breathing down their necks with a game in hand.
The Bulawayo side will unleash a three-pronged attack led by former Scottland striker Lynoth Chikuhwa, who is out to haunt his old paymasters. He will be supported by the pacey duo of Brian Muza and Michael Charamba, a strike force expected to test Scottland’s defensive trio of Peter Muduhwa, Kevin Moyo and goalkeeper Talbert Shumba.
It will be a particularly emotional afternoon for Chikuhwa, who crossed the floor during the mid-season transfer window, swapping the Scotts’ jersey for the Gamecocks’ colours.
The clash also carries the baggage of unfinished business. The first leg in Harare ended in chaos after a late penalty award to Scottland sparked fury, forcing abandonment and a boardroom decision that went the Scotts’ way.
But today, both camps say it’s strictly football business.
“It’s going to be business as usual. We are here with a positive mind. It’s game on and everyone is rearing to go,” declared Scottland FC spokesperson Sindiso Dube.
Barbourfields is set for fireworks as the Scotts fight to protect their throne while the Gamecocks battle to stay afloat.
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