Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere [email protected]
BULAWAYO Chiefs and Chicken Inn, have suffered a setback ahead of their crucial Matchday 21 assignments after key players were slapped with suspensions.
The Premier Soccer League on Thursday released the list of suspended players for the weekend’s fixtures, with Bulawayo Chiefs losing Clive Junior Rupiya and Panashe Ryan Shoko, while Chicken Inn will be without Taimon Mvula and Vasili Kawe.
The suspensions come at a time when both clubs desperately need positive results as they seek to revive their campaigns.
Chiefs, buoyed by a hard-earned goalless draw away to Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium last weekend, host a wounded MWOS side looking to bounce back from their own recent disappointment.
However, coach John Nyikadzino, will now have to reshuffle his squad following the absence of Rupiya and Shoko, whose energy and work rate have been important in recent weeks.
While the stalemate against Dynamos showcased Chiefs’ defensive resilience, the Bulawayo outfit will need greater attacking inspiration if they are to turn encouraging performances into victories.
Across the city, Chicken Inn’s problems appear to be mounting.
The Gamecocks are still smarting from a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Hardrock in their first league match back at Luveve Stadium, a result that spoiled what had been expected to be a memorable homecoming before their supporters.
Now, coach John Nyikadzino must prepare for another difficult encounter against title hopefuls Ngezi Platinum Stars without Mvula and Kawe, two players whose absence further limits his options as Chicken Inn search for consistency.
The suspensions could hardly have come at a worse time for the former champions, who have struggled to find rhythm throughout the season and face one of the league’s toughest opponents this weekend.
Elsewhere across the league, CAPS United’s Nyasha Gurende, FC Platinum’s Oscar Bhebhe, Hardrock’s Nigel Mutinha, Manica Diamonds’ Ask Rupande, TelOne’s Eriya Mafrenyika, ZPC Kariba’s Fanuel Shoko and Dynamos’ Jairos Kasondo will also sit out Matchday 21 due to suspension.
@FungaiMuderere
