Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
DURING the July transfer window, Malvin Gaki was one of the players that were on their way out at Chicken Inn due to lack of game time.
Yet, the midfielder’s recent performances are likely to see him stay at the club.
Gaki has failed to command a starting eleven place this season and has been reduced to playing cameo roles for the club.
However, Joey Antipas has been chopping and changing his starting 11 ever since he conceded that his side was out of the title race.
One of the beneficiaries of that move by Antipas has been Gaki, who has grabbed the opportunity.
Gaki scored a brace and provided an assist last Saturday as Chicken Inn beat Bulawayo City at Barbourfields Stadium.
His man of the match performance impressed coach Antipas who feels he has done enough to win a starting slot.
“He had an opportunity to start and he was impressed by his headaches for the next game,” said Antipas.
Malvin Whata got the other goal for Chicken Inn after being fed by Gaki, with the Gamecocks marching to a third consecutive win.
Gaki is a former Triangle and Harare City player. He has worked with coaches like Moses Chunga and Mark Harrison.
He is likely to get an opportunity when Chicken Inn face Highlanders this coming Sunday.
Second-placed Chicken Inn victory saw them maintain a 10-point difference with leaders FC Platinum who need six points from five games to wrap up the championship. The Gamecocks are on 54 points after 29 games.
Antipas has already given the title to FC Platinum.
“We have to be honest. FC Platinum will not lose games,” said Antipas.
On Sunday, Mapeza refused to be drawn into making comments about the league title.
“Not yet! Maybe for you guys, but for me it’s a no! It is still work in progress. There are still five games to go and we are not thinking much about our position on the log now. We are thinking much about maintaining our rhythm and keep getting positive results,” Mapeza said. — @innocentskizoe
Online Reporter