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 mid-season.
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 of 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.”
As Scottland chase the title and Chicken Inn fight to avoid the drop, Chikuhwa’s story gives this afternoon’s clash an added layer of intrigue. For him, it is more than just another match, it is a chance to prove that talent never truly fades.
Meanwhile, Fungai Muderere writes from Bulawayo that Chicken Inn are unfazed for this afternoon’s Premier clash with Scottland.
Scottland flew into Bulawayo last night for the match.
“Yes, they might have arrived in style for the match, they are the log leaders but we are not intimidated,” said Chicken Inn spokesperson Nkululeko Nkala.
“It’s a tricky tie. It’s going to be a difficult game.
We will need to push and match them pound for pound,” he added.
Marvelous Chigumira, Peter Muduhwa, Kevin Moyo and goalkeeper
Talbert Shumba all Bulawayo boys will be eager to shine for their new paymasters when they play at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
The first leg encounter between the two sides was decided in the boardroom after the match, played at Rufaro Stadium, was abandoned before regulation time.
Scottland FC had been awarded a penalty in the late stages of the match, a decision that Chicken Inn players and officials heavily protested.
“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,” said Scottland FC spokeperson Sindiso Dube. @FungaiMuderere
