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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
FORMER champions Chicken Inn say they will not allow themselves to be distracted by off-field events as they aim for a strong finish in this year’s Castle Lager Premiership football campaign.
The Gamecocks are this afternoon set to play Herentals at the National Sports Stadium on the back of revelations of an impasse between champions-in-waiting FC Platinum and Herentals which could impact the destiny of the championship.
As it stands, Chicken Inn are out of the title race after falling 12 points behind log leaders FC Platinum, with four games remaining in the season.
Chicken Inn coach, Joey Antipas, yesterday told The Herald that they have since revised their target to a second-place finish. They are currently in third place, one point behind giants Dynamos.
FC Platinum, who have had a spirited campaign especially in the second half of the season, could wrap up the championship this Sunday should they avoid defeat against CAPS United at the National Sports Stadium.
However, the three-time domestic Premiership football kings are facing uncertainties in their quest for a fourth consecutive league title.
Herentals raised the dust when they claimed the platinum miners used their player, Juan Mutudza, illegally after he moved from Dynamos where he was on loan.
The issue is set to be decided by the ZIFA Players Status Committee. Should FC Platinum be found guilty, they could lose points, which could see both Chicken Inn and Dynamos back in the picture and battling for the number one spot.
However, Gamecocks coach Antipas yesterday said they will not concern themselves with the boardroom matters. Their aim is to finish the season strongly.
“It is important to play for results. Football is about winning, and we aim to collect maximum points in every game that we play.
“So, we usually don’t concern ourselves with whatever is happening elsewhere. We just hope to finish the season strong.
“For us and Dynamos, it’s like we are involved in two-horse race for number two. The team that blinks in those last four games loses out because we both are targeting to grab the runners-up spot,” said Antipas.
Chicken Inn swapped places with Dynamos the last time out when they let slip a two-goal advantage and drew 2-2 with Highlanders at Barbourfields.
They have 55 points in the bag, one behind DeMbare at this stage of the campaign. But a win against Herentals this afternoon could strengthen their resolve, with Dynamos set to play relegation threatened Bulawayo City at Barbourfields tomorrow.
Chicken Inn, who were at some point in the early stages of the campaign were favourites, paid dearly for their inconsistency. They have blown hot and cold, just as does their chief marksman Brian Muza, who misses this afternoon’s assignment with a knee injury.
Muza has been down the last here weeks and it appears he may not be able to sustain his challenge for the Golden Boot. Before the injury, the forward had suffered a goal drought which saw him falling three goals behind CAPS United’s William Manondo.
“Muza has been out for the last three weeks. The good thing is he has resumed training but is not yet 100 percent fit, so I cannot be taking on board someone who hasn’t recovered fully.
“We also miss Tafadzwa Kutinyu because he has three yellow cards. So we have to be at our best against Herentals. They are a very good side; they have done well this season and that is why you saw them reaching the final of the Chibuku Super Cup,” said Antipas.
Chicken Inn are unbeaten in their last four games. They collected 10 out of the 12 points available after recovering from yet another lump.
They are likely to find Herentals in high spirits after the students staged a brave fight at Mandava last Sunday to beat defending champions FC Platinum on their way to a maiden cup final in the topflight league.
Meanwhile, Dynamos are also not losing sight of the race despite having thrown in the towel. They have a tricky outing at Bulawayo Chiefs tomorrow.
Failure to win will see FC Platinum taking an unassailable lead at the top and will be champions before they kick a ball against Makepekepe on Sunday. However, they are likely to wait until the Mutudza impasse is resolved.
Fixtures
Today: Herentals v Chicken Inn (NSS)
Saturday: Yadah v Cranborne Bullets (NSS), Bulawayo City v Dynamos (Barbourfields), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Black Rhinos (Baobab), Whawha v ZPCX Kariba (Ascot)
Sunday: Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs (Barbourfields), Manica Diamonds v Harare City (Sakubva), Triangle v Tenax (Gibbo), CAPS Utd v FC Platinum (NSS)
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