GameCocks wary of wounded Rhinos

BLACK RHINOS FC are bottom of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League having only won one game and managed three stalemates in 11 matches, but Chicken Inn FC coach Prince Matore believes this is the most dangerous time to face the heavily wounded army side.

The Gamecocks are on top of their game following two straight wins over leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars and ZPC Kariba. What makes the victories sweet for the Gamecocks is that they have scored five goals in the process, beating Ngezi Platinum Stars 2-0 and clobbering ZPC Kariba 3-0.

As a result, they have moved to position three on the league standings with 18 points, just two adrift of leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars and a point behind Highlanders.

Matore believes their clash with Black Rhinos will not be a walk in the park.

“I think from Matchday One we have been doing well and creating chances. However, we have been missing those chances and I’m happy that we’re now scoring.

“They (Black Rhinos) are a wounded lion. The game plan for us is to win. At the moment the league is tough. Everyone wants to be on top but what is important for us is to be within the chasing pack. This will help us maintain the pressure on the leaders.

“As coaches we want to have the goals coming but football is unpredictable, so we have to work hard to have the goals coming,” said Matore.

Right back Arthur Chinda has been ruled out of the Black Rhinos game while Genius Mutangamiri and Munashe Pini are doubtful for the encounter.

The Chicken Inn gaffer is not worried about the Black Rhinos’ tag of being a physical side, saying: “In this league, everyone runs and everyone is physical. We are also like that. What is important for us is to apply ourselves not worry much about how they play but how we play. I think that way things will be better for us.”

Last season, Chicken Inn won their home game 2-1 and Black Rhinos won the reverse fixture by a similar scoreline.

The Gamecocks, now in the title matrix won their only league championship in 2015 and since then, the expectation has always been high for Chicken Inn.

They have openly declared their desire to win the title this season.

Just last season, the Gamecocks started the season brilliantly and were on top of the table for some time before they let the title slip away and finish as runner-up to FC Platinum.

They were bridesmaids again in 2019 and finished second after eventual league winners FC Platinum.

-@innocentskizoe