Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
CHICKEN INN are not acting like a team that nearly went down last season.
After surviving relegation by the narrowest margin, the Gamecocks have launched an aggressive recruitment drive that is drawing attention across the Premiership.
A day after unveiling Cameroonian striker Ngnowa Hapmo, the Bulawayo side confirmed the signing of 26-year-old Democratic Republic of Congo rightback Sefu Louison.
Louison joins from FC Saint Eloi Lupopo and becomes the latest foreign addition in what is shaping into a major rebuilding under coach Tonderai Ndiraya.
“Welcome to the Gamecocks Sefu. Another international piece joins Chicken Inn FC this season,” the club posted on their official social media platforms.
The message leaves little room for doubt.
Chicken Inn do not want another season fighting at the bottom.
Last year was tense.
The former champions hovered close to the drop zone and only secured safety late in the campaign.
The season exposed a lack of depth and inconsistency.
The club have responded with numbers and experience.
They have also strengthened locally.
Vassili Kawe arrived from Scottland. Innocent Musiiwa joined from MWOS. Temptation Chiwunga returned to Bulawayo after spells with Dynamos and Hwange. Goalkeeper Taimon Mvula will add experience between the posts.
They have also kept key players – centrebacks Itai Mabhunu and Mpumelelo Bhebhe are staying at the club.
Goalkeeper Donovan Bernard is also staying.
Coach Tonderai Ndiraya, a two-time league title winner, has a reputation of building competitive sides.
He was brought in to stabilise the team. This transfer window suggests he has been given the backing to aim higher.
Chicken Inn recently held a week pre-season camp in Kariba as preparations intensified.
Media officer Brighton Ncube said the squad returns to Bulawayo on Sunday to enter the final phase before kick-off.
The focus now shifts to results.
Bongani Ndlovu