‘Gamecocks need time to adjust’

Snodia Mikiri

Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas says his side needs time to adjust and adapt if they are to be a factor in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League contest.

Despite a promising start, Chicken have had a poor run overall, collecting 22 points from 16 games.

Last season, the Gamecocks had 28 points from the same number of games.

In their last five outings, they have five points out of the possible 15.

The veteran coach said his poor run is because his new signings have not hit the right chord.

“This season has been very tough for us. It is largely because of the new players we roped in when the season began.

“We need time for the players to get used to our play and also for them to understand what we expect from them.

“With new players on board, it takes time for the team to hit the right chord.

“We roped in players from different clubs. They are doing well, and I am positive we will hit the right chord soon. Once we hit the right chord, we will be unbeatable,” said Antipas. Chicken Inn goes into the weekend’s programme on the back of successive defeats.

They lost 3-1 to Ngezi Platinum Stars in their Week 15 encounter and also lost 2-1 to Bikita Minerals in their Matchday 16 encounter after taking an early lead.

Antipas said he is working on rectifying their previous mistakes.

“I believe we can turn around our fortunes.

“We are working towards avoiding our previous mistakes.

“We are working towards being solid at the back. We have to avoid conceding at all costs.

“If we do not concede, we might walk away with a point, and if we are lucky, we might score and snatch a win,” he added.

To their advantage, Chicken Inn does not have a player at the Cosafa tournament underway in South Africa.

This allows Antipas to work with a full compliment of players during a tough period.

“We have players that can play in the national team.

“But to play in the national team, you have to be consistent throughout the season. “We have very good players and given the chance, they can prove they are equally good,” said Antipas.

Chicken Inn will host Herentals at Luveve on Sunday. “I am hoping to attract a positive result on Sunday.

“We have to start being consistent. We want a top-four finish, and we have to start to pick up maximum points,” he added.