Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHICKEN INN head coach, Joey Antipas, is bracing for what he calls “a good game on our hands” as his side locks horns with league newcomers MWOS in a tantalising Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) Week 10 fixture at Luveve Stadium, this afternoon.
It is a matchup that pits experience against momentum: the Gamecocks, seasoned PSL campaigners albeit struggling for form, versus a spirited MWOS side who’ve hit the ground running in their debut top flight season.
“We’ve been creating the chances, but they just haven’t been taken. It’s frustrating, especially when you work hard all week and can’t get the breakthrough on match day,” said Antipas. “Finishing has been our biggest downfall. We’re up against the log leaders, it’s a tricky one, but I reckon we’re in for a good game.”
So far this season, Chicken Inn have managed just a solitary win, accompanied by six draws and two defeats, a return that leaves them desperately seeking a turnaround. Notably, they’re still hunting for their first home victory at Luveve Stadium, once a fortress for the Bulawayo outfit.
Their guests, MWOS, coached by the ever tactical Lloyd Mutasa, arrive in bullish mood. The Norton based side has been the surprise package of the campaign, showing resilience and composure beyond their years in the top flight.
They remain unbeaten, with recent results including three narrow 1-0 wins over ZPC Kariba, Herentals FC and Dynamos, alongside a gritty draw with Manica Diamonds.
Both sides come into the encounter on the back of consecutive draws, and both are eager to reignite their campaigns. Dynamos, though struggling to find their rhythm, remain a dangerous opponent, particularly at home. Scottland, on the other hand, have shown no fear since their top flight baptism, their free flowing style winning admiration across the league.
For Chicken Inn, recent form paints a picture of a side caught in transition. In their last five matches, they’ve registered three draws, including goalless affairs with Herentals and TelOne, and a 1-1 share of spoils with Manica Diamonds. Their lone win during that stretch came in a hard fought victory over Dynamos, while a narrow 1-0 loss to Joel Luphahla’s revitalised Simba Bhora highlighted the fine margins currently defining their season.
Meanwhile, all eyes will shift to Rufaro Stadium this afternoon for what promises to be the marquee clash of the weekend, Dynamos versus Scottland FC. It’s a fixture brimming with intrigue, as traditional giants DeMbare take on the flamboyant PSL debutants in front of what’s expected to be a raucous crowd in Mbare.
Elsewhere in the PSL Week 10 line up, Manica Diamonds host Kwekwe United at Sakubva Stadium, while Herentals College, licking their wounds from recent setbacks, will square off against basement side Triangle United at Rufaro tomorrow.
Catch the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League action live on our sister TV channel, ZTN Prime, DStv Channel 294.
This afternoon, don’t miss the blockbuster clash between Dynamos and Scottland. Then, wrap up your football weekend on Monday with Herentals versus Triangle United, also live on ZTN Prime.
Match build-up begins at 2:30 PM.
Don’t just read about it, watch the action unfold, live! — @FungaiMuderere
Bongani Ndlovu