Every encounter is tricky: Matore

AS the league draws to its final stages, Chicken Inn FC head coach Prince Matore believes every match they play from now on will be a tricky encounter as they prepare to face army side, Cranborne Bullets at Luveve Stadium tomorrow.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference yesterday, Matore said they are still in the chasing pack for the top honours but are expecting a run for their money as Cranborne Bullets are fighting to save their top flight status.

The Gamecocks sit in fifth place on the league standings with 31 points while their relegation-threatened opponents, Cranborne Bullets have only managed to amass 17 points and are sitting on number 16.

Cranborne Bullets’ position in the league is something to be worried about.

“In the second round, everyone is fighting for his life hence the match against Simba Bhora was a difficult won though we collected maximum points. The match against Cranborne Bullets is even worse because they are fighting relegation,” said Matore.

In the past few matches, Chicken Inn has been getting the desired results after a string of draws and defeats and Matore credits their change of fortunes to hard work and determination.

“Sometimes you work hard, play well and don’t get results but this should not discourage you but instead should motivate you to work even harder.

“There are situations when you play well and miss a lot of chances and your opponents just create two chances and score.

This happens in football,” said Matore.

He said he keeps on encouraging his players to work on their mistakes so that at the end of the day they get it right.

“We are still in the chasing pack and what is important is to focus on each game as it comes and try to collect points,” he said.

Matore said they have been analysing the Cranborne Bullets type of play as part of their preparations for the encounter.

The Gamecocks will still be without the services of striker Brian Muza who is still nursing an injury. Holding midfielder Tafadzwa Kutinyu has recovered from his injury but Matore said his worry was that there are more players nursing injuries from their previous match.

Chicken Inn have registered eight wins, seven draws and four defeats in their 19 matches while the army side has managed to secure maximum points on four occasions, sharing the spoils in five matches and losing 10 encounters. — @brandon_malvin.