Gamecocks trio to pass a late fitness test for Sheasham tie

THREE Chicken Inn FC regular players that include striker Brian Muza, midfielder Tafadzwa Kutinyu and goalkeeper Donovan Bernard are expected to pass a late fitness test ahead of their Week 18 league tie against newboys Sheasham set for tomorrow at Luveve Stadium.

Muza and Kutinyu picked up injuries during the club’s previous tie against Premier Soccer League returnees Hwange. In that game, Bernard was ruled out courtesy of a swollen ankle and it was a development that saw an equally good Pride Zendera being handed a starting place in between the sticks for Gamecocks

“We are expecting to have a tough match against Sheasham. We are now into the second half of the season, everyone is fighting for his life. We have a few knocks in our camp. Muza, Donovan and Kutinyu are set to pass a late fitness test.

“Last weekend, we played Pride as our goalkeeper. He is a top goalkeeper and we were very much happy about his performance. Sheasham are a very good side, they have improved a lot, collecting crucial points,” said Chicken Inn coach Prince Matore.

The Gweru based Construction Boys are now under the tutelage of former Bulawayo Chiefs, Talen Vision and Tsholotsho FCC gaffer Lizwe Sweswe.

Last weekend, Sweswe saw his Construction Boys charges hand defending champions FC Platinum a shock 2-1 defeat in a match that was played at Mandava Stadium.

“Since I came, the boys have been working very hard. I hope we will keep this spirit. Now that we have confidence, I’m sure we will start picking up good results as we move forward,” said Sweswe

Liberty Masvaure scored a brace for the Gweru based outfit and Gift Mbweti scored the consolation goal for Pure Platinum Play.

It was a result that saw Sheasham collect their first maximum points in nine matches and slightly move up from the relegation zone.

They are now on position 15 tied on 17 points with fellow newboys Simba Bhora.

Masvaure and seasoned trio of William Stima, Kudakwashe Musharu and Phsywell Madhazi are expected to lead from the front for Sheasham when they meet fifth placed Gamecocks who beat Hwange 2-1 to climb two places up the ladder.

Stima and Musharu tagged along with Sweswe to Sheasham after they were released by Bulawayo Chiefs during the month long Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) second transfer window which closed on Monday.

Towering centre back Itai Mabhunu and striker Malvin Hwata scored for Chicken Inn before Shepherd Gadzikwa secured a late consolation for Chipangano. -@FungaiMuderere