Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHEN Chicken Inn face log leaders Scottland at Barbourfields this afternoon, all eyes will be on striker Lynoth “Sonja” Chikuhwa.Once seen as a prized forward, Chikuhwa’s move to Scottland turned into a nightmare. He arrived from Highlanders with the pedigree of a Golden Boot winner after netting 17 goals last season.
But instead of thriving, he struggled, managing just one goal before losing his place in the squad and being shipped out midseason.Now back in Bulawayo with Chicken Inn, the 28-year-old has the chance to remind Scottland of the talent they discarded.“I feel motivated to be playing against my parent club tomorrow (today) because I was in that structure for months and I got to learn a lot,” Chikuhwa said.
“There is a lot that I learnt there and I now understand certain things about them. Some of the lessons that I got there have been key in my rebuilding.”The return is all the more striking because it comes at Barbourfields, the stadium where he carved his reputation in Bosso colours before claiming the league’s top scorer’s award last year.
For Chikuhwa, it is a personal stage for redemption.His time at Scottland may have derailed his momentum, but he insists the experience was not wasted.
“I believe it is part of the game, you know football can be like that,” he said.
“No hard feelings at all on how things happened for me, but I am just glad that at least I got another club that gave me a platform to find my feet again.”The fixture itself carries weight beyond individual stories. Scottland, with 56 points, are clinging to top spot, a single point ahead of Simba Bhora, who still have a game in hand after their CAF Champions League commitments.
Victory is non-negotiable if they are to keep control of the title race.Chicken Inn, meanwhile, have been inconsistent and sit 10th with 33 points, nervously glancing at the relegation trapdoor.
For Joey Antipas’ men, every game has become a battle for survival, and Chikuhwa is expected to spearhead their attack alongside Michael Charamba.“I have nothing against Scottland and everything that happened is in the past now. After all, I am still contracted to them,” Chikuhwa said.
“Even when I play against them I will simply be doing my job. I am employed to score goals so I am looking forward to a great game where I hope to do well.
“As a player your wish is to win with the team you are playing for and I will be fighting for that.”He added:
“I am not the one who made the decision to have me at Chicken Inn. All I can say is that a football decision had to be made anyway.
“Most importantly I learnt a lot about the game and decision-making, but I do not blame anyone. It is all about football. My passion is still alive.”
