Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere [email protected]
CHICKEN Inn head coach Tonderayi Ndiraya has struck a defiant tone ahead of his side’s crucial Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against Dynamos FC at Barbourfields this Sunday, insisting the Gamecocks are ready to bounce back from a run of poor form.
The Bulawayo-based outfit heads into the high-stakes encounter smarting from consecutive derby defeats, having fallen 3-1 to Highlanders FC before suffering a 2-0 loss to city rivals Bulawayo Chiefs in last week’s midweek action.
Chicken Inn showed early promise against Highlanders, taking a first-half lead, only to capitulate after the break as their opponents seized control. That setback was compounded by a lacklustre display against Bulawayo Chiefs, where they were second best for much of the contest.
Despite the back-to-back losses, Ndiraya remains adamant that his side has the resilience to respond, particularly in a blockbuster fixture against Dynamos looming.
“We are Chicken Inn, we might be down, but not out. We will bounce back and defend the badge,” said Ndiraya.
The coach pointed to defensive lapses as the major concern, with his team conceding what he described as “very soft goals” in recent matches. However, he also highlighted positives within the squad, including growing cohesion and understanding among the players.
“It’s frustrating to lose again in a derby to our bitter rivals. We are failing to defend at critical moments, and that is something we must urgently address,” he said.
“However, despite the defeats, you can see the understanding within the team. We need to re-group, organise ourselves and keep the players mentally strong.”
Sunday’s showdown at Emagumeni presents an opportunity for Chicken Inn to reset their campaign against one of the league’s traditional giants. A positive result could provide a timely lift for a side seeking consistency.
After nine matches, Chicken Inn sit ninth on the table with 12 points, having registered three wins, three draws and three defeats — a record that underlines their mixed start to the season.
With pressure mounting and fans demanding a response, all eyes will be on whether Ndiraya’s men can rise to the occasion and deliver against Dynamos in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League
Week 10 Fixtures:
Tomorrow: Herentals College vs Highlanders (Rufaro)
Saturday: Agama vs FC Platinum (Wadzanayi), CAPS United vs Bulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro), Hardrock vs FC Hunters (Chawanda), ZPC Kariba vs MWOS (Nyamhunga)
Sunday: Chicken Inn vs Dynamos (Barbourfields), Scotland FC vs Simba Bhora (Rufaro), Triangle United vs TelOne (Gibbo)
