Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere in Bulawayo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Chicken Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0) 1
Ngezi Platinum Stars . . . . . . . . 0
VETERAN coach Joey Antipas had every reason to be visibly relieved after his Chicken Inn finally remem-bered how to win a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Luveve.
With pressure weighing heavily on him, Antipas’ men received Ngezi Platinum Stars yesterday at a home ground where they had not won in 2025.
Defender Mpumelelo Bhebhe found the goal that mattered most for Antipas in particular and the Game-cocks at large when he struck four minutes into the second half.
The combative Bhebhe, who was on top of his game for the Gamecocks, tapped in the ball from close range with the visitors’ rearguard in sixes and sevens.
“It is like taking a monkey off your back,” Antipas said.
“It’s a big relief and we had to do it in an ugly way.
“We did well tactically, I think this result will give us a big lift as we move forward.
“We had to psyche up the boys and told them we need to win at home as the pitch does not play football,” he said.
The result was also a huge confidence booster for Chicken Inn ahead of their Bulawayo derby clash against Highlanders at Barbourfields on Sunday.
Ngezi coach Takesure Chiragwi accepted the defeat and will now shift attention to their next assignment against MWOS at home.
“We have lost, we need to take it. We were in control of the game, we tried everything that we could do but we lost.
“We need to appreciate the boys for what they did ahead of our next game against MWOS.
“We were really organised, especially at the back. Chicken Inn had more numbers at the back,” said Chiragwi.
The first half was an uninspiring affair while the second was lively with both teams attacking.
There was only one shot on target in the first half.
Ngezi failed to capitalise on their early dominance which saw them create two corner kicks inside the opening five minutes.
In their second attempt, McDonald Eddisone jumped the highest but his effort, a header, went over the bar.
Moments later, Leslie Kashitigu attempted a long-range shot instead of giving the ball to Obriel Chirinda, captain of the day, who was unmarked. The effort went over the bar.
The hosts got their first shot at goal in the 10th minute when George Majika’s effort from the edge of the box missed the target by a few inches.
Chicken Inn were forced to make an early change after midfielder Joseph Tulani was stretchered off the field with an ankle injury.
Brendon Rendo replaced him to fill the midfield hole.
