Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHICKEN INN gave Bulawayo supporters reason to believe again yesterday when they dispatched Triangle United 2-0 at Barbourfields Stadium, a victory that steadied their start to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign while the early pace of the championship race continues to be set by CAPS United in Harare.
The Gamecocks were sharp, composed and purposeful on home turf, turning last weekend’s draw at Herentals into a meaningful result as Lynoth “Sonjy” Chikuhwa and Innocent Masiiwa delivered the goals that secured Tonderayi Ndiraya’s first league victory in Bulawayo.
Chikuhwa struck early to settle the hosts.
Nine minutes had passed when the forward reacted fastest inside the box after Triangle goalkeeper David Bizabani was caught exposed, guiding the ball into the net from close range and immediately shifting control of the match toward the home side.
Chicken Inn grew in confidence from that moment. Their midfield tightened the grip on possession while Binwell Katinji and Chikuhwa repeatedly stretched the Triangle defence with direct movement and quick transitions.
Triangle attempted to recover composure and found brief pockets of momentum but clear opportunities remained scarce against a disciplined Chicken Inn backline marshalled by Mpumelelo Bhebhe and Innocent Mabhunu.
The visitors stayed within reach for most of the afternoon, though their resistance finally cracked late in the match when substitute Masiiwa calmly finished to seal the result and confirm a deserved victory.
For Ndiraya, the afternoon carried more than just three points. It signalled that his team is beginning to settle after a transitional start to the season.
“We belong to Bulawayo and we must be comfortable playing here,” he said after the match.
“The point we got against Herentals was important but it only becomes valuable if you follow it with a win. I am happy we managed to do that in front of our supporters.”
The victory lifts Chicken Inn to four points from their opening two matches and provides early momentum as the campaign gathers pace.
Elsewhere, the strongest early statement of the weekend came in Harare where CAPS United climbed to the top of the table after edging Herentals 1-0 at Rufaro.
Obriel Chirinda’s powerful first half strike proved decisive for the Green Machine, who have now collected six points from their opening two fixtures and look increasingly comfortable under coach, Takesure Chiragwi. The goal arrived in the 18th minute when Chirinda found space outside the box and drove a fierce shot past Tinotendaishe Takarinda, rewarding a lively opening spell in which both sides tested each other through midfield.
Herentals threatened to respond. Tinashe Mupumha rattled the crossbar early in the match while goalkeeper Wallace Magalane required a timely goal line clearance from Kudzai Chigwida later in the second half to preserve the advantage.
CAPS continued to press forward, with Bret Amidu and Ishmael Wadi forcing Takarinda into a series of saves, yet the Students also carried danger on the break as Dreamer Liyeto narrowly missed the target after a swift counter attack.
The match remained finely balanced until the final whistle but Chirinda’s strike proved enough to send Makepekepe to the summit of the early standings.
Chiragwi praised his team’s composure.
“We controlled possession well and created the goal through a good combination of play,” he said.
“The important thing is that the players remained disciplined and saw the match through.”
Herentals coach Paul Benza felt his side had paid heavily for a defensive lapse.
“It was a good game but we conceded a soft goal and failed to convert the chances we created,” he said.
Elsewhere, the weekend programme produced tight contests across the country.
MWOS were forced to settle for a second consecutive draw after TelOne battled back to secure a 1-1 result at Ngoni Stadium in Norton.
Leeroy Murape appeared to have handed TelOne victory when he unleashed a powerful long range effort with twelve minutes remaining, but MWOS responded quickly as Billy Veremu converted from the penalty spot after Arthur Banda was brought down inside the area.
At Wadzanayi Stadium in Shamva, newcomers FC Hunters continued their disciplined start to life in the top flight when they frustrated former champions Simba Bhora in a goalless stalemate.
Simba Bhora pushed for a breakthrough in front of their supporters yet the organised visitors held firm, with goalkeeper Kelvin Shangiwa producing a crucial save to deny Claude Mapako in the second half.
The early league picture is still forming after two rounds of matches. CAPS United have set the initial pace in Harare while Chicken Inn’s composed display at Barbourfields suggests Bulawayo’s Gamecocks are beginning to find their rhythm as the season gathers momentum.
