Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira
CHICKEN Inn FC will be hoping to build on their last weekend victory against Herentals when they travel to Triangle for a date against an in-form Manica Diamonds outfit at Gibbo Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
The 2-1 victory against Herentals was a special one for the Gamecocks as it came at the back of six consecutive stalemates.
Before the Herentals encounter, Chicken Inn’s coach Prince Matore had highlighted worries about his side’s failure to collect maximum points.
After the long-awaited victory, he admitted his side breathed a sigh of relief.
Ahead of the Manica Diamonds tie, Matore said confidence levels in his camp are high.
“The victory against Herentals has brought in confidence in the side. What confidence does is motivate the players to work hard, which is what the boys have been doing at training,” said Matore.
The Gamecocks are undefeated this season and have accumulated 12 points from their eight outings which warrant them position seven on the log standings.
Manica Diamonds have the same number of points from eight games but sit on position five owing to a superior goal difference.
Matore is wary of their opponents.
“It is a difficult match. Manica Diamonds are playing well at home. What is important is to focus and collect maximum points. We watched them when they played Black Rhinos and I think they are a good side. What is important for us is to go out there and work hard to get three points,” said Matore.
Manica Diamonds, powered by the league’s leading scorer Fortune Binzi who has six goals, face Chicken Inn coming from a 2-2 away draw in Zvishavane against champions FC Platinum.
Matore believes that Manica Diamonds have settled at their temporary home — Gibbo Stadium — while waiting for Sakubva Stadium to be fixed.
Chicken Inn has a clean bill of health.
Matore heaped praise for Michael Charamba, his team’s leading scorer with three goals.
“So far so good, everyone is fighting for a place in the team. Michael Charamba is a good player. He works hard and that has rewarded him,” he said.
The in-form Charamba said working as a team has brought the desired urge to win.
“I work hard with my teammates. Football is a team sport. You cannot perform alone. My target is to score in each and every game.
“Taking from last season, where I had suffered a knee injury, I have improved. I have started well and hope to continue doing so,” said Charamba.
— @innocentskizoe
Online Reporter