Gamecocks ready for MWOS battle

CHICKEN INN are brimming with confidence ahead of their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Week 28 showdown against MWOS at Luveve Stadium on Saturday.

The Gamecocks are looking to turn their recent away success into another valuable three points.

The Bulawayo side go into the encounter on the back of an impressive 1-0 victory over Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium last weekend, a result that has injected fresh belief into the camp as the league enters its decisive stretch.

MWOS, however, present another stern examination.

The two sides are separated by just one point on the league table, with MWOS currently holding the advantage, setting the stage for a potentially explosive battle in Bulawayo.

Chicken Inn media officer Brighton Ncube said the victory over Dynamos had given the players an important confidence boost, but stressed that the focus had already shifted to the MWOS assignment.

“We are playing MWOS this week, a side that is playing well, above us by one point. We are coming into this game after our away victory against Dynamos,” said Ncube.

“The boys have been training, putting in the work ahead of Match Day 28. The mood in camp is great, we are building slowly and on Saturday the battlefield is Luveve Stadium. We want the three points.”

Chicken Inn’s victory over Dynamos was more than just three points, as it provided evidence of a side beginning to find its rhythm at a crucial stage of the campaign.

Now, the Gamecocks will have home advantage on their side, but MWOS arrive knowing that victory could see them strengthen their position over their Bulawayo opponents.

For Chicken Inn, the objective is straightforward: close the one-point gap and climb the table.

While the Gamecocks prepare for MWOS, another Bulawayo side, Bulawayo Chiefs, will also be hoping to make the most of home-region momentum when they travel to Rufaro Stadium to face Herentals on Saturday.

“Last weekend, we managed to get a positive result against Chilli FC. I’m happy for the boys but we will need to guard against complacency in our next game,” said Bulawayo Chiefs head coach John Nyikadzino.

Chiefs go into the encounter with their confidence boosted by their progress in the inaugural Munhumutapa Super Cup, where they booked a place in the quarter-finals after getting the better of Chilli FC.

Herentals, meanwhile, return to the capital with a bruised ego after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium in their previous league assignment.

That result will make the Herentals camp desperate for a response, but Chiefs will be looking to exploit any lingering disappointment and build on their cup success.

Highlanders themselves will be back in league action on Saturday when they travel to Gibbo Stadium to face Triangle United.

Bosso will be eager to carry the momentum from their victory over Herentals into another difficult away assignment, while Triangle will be determined to make home advantage count.

The week action began on Wednesday with a heavyweight contest on yesterday when defending champions Scottland hosted former champions FC Platinum at Rufaro Stadium.

The weekend then continues with a packed Saturday programme featuring Agama against Manica Diamonds at Wadzanai Stadium, Herentals against Bulawayo Chiefs at Rufaro, Chicken Inn against MWOS at Luveve, ZPC Kariba against Simba Bhora at Nyamhunga Stadium, Triangle United clash with Highlanders at Gibbo Stadium and Ngezi Platinum Stars against FC Hunters at Baobab Stadium.

Sunday brings the much-anticipated Harare derby, with CAPS United taking on Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium, while Hardrock host TelOne at Chahwanda Stadium.

For the Bulawayo clubs, however, attention will be firmly fixed on Luveve and the battle between Chicken Inn and MWOS, as well as Triangle’s meeting with Highlanders.

With the season moving into its decisive phase, every point matters — and for the Gamecocks, Chiefs and Highlanders, Week 28 offers another opportunity to strengthen their respective campaigns. — @FungaiMuderere.