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Players who are likely to miss the match include first choice goalie Victor Twaliki, and the midfield duo of Erea Phiri and Raymond Sibanda.
The Chinda Boys will also be without the attacking trio of Pervington Zimunya, Tarisai Rukanda and Marlven Fenyeka who have played a peripheral role in the side’s championship charge this season.
A win tomorrow will maintain the pressure on the log leaders Highlanders who have drawn their last two encounters.
Shabanie are tied on 21 points with neighbours FC Platinum but lie third on the log standings because of an inferior goal difference — three points shy of early pacesetters, Bosso.
Coach Luke “Vahombe” Masomere expressed concern at the casualty list ahead of tomorrow’s tie but said he has enough cover to fill the void left by the sidelined players.
“Preparations for the game have been jeopardised after five of my regular players were injured and might not recover in time for the match against Chicken Inn which is a cause for concern,
“Of course our rhythm in the field may be affected but not the results.
“We have enough cover to fit into the shoes of the injured players and I am confident that we will collect maximum points,” said Masomere without elaborating on the nature of the injuries his players have succumbed to.
The injuries on some of the regulars will give an opportunity to fringe players who have not been getting regular game time to prove themselves.
Players like Roy Muzingi, Philimon Mudenha and Boniface Dimanji have been warming the bench for the asbestos miners for a long time and would want to grab the opportunity with both hands to impress Masomere if selected.
On the other hand, Adam Ndlovu’s side will be hoping to continue their dominance over Shabanie Mine after getting the better of their adversaries on two occasions in league encounters last season.
The Gamecocks would be banking on veteran striker Evans Chikwaikwai to deliver.
They beat Shabanie Mine 1-0 at Maglas before handing them a 2-0 hiding in the reverse fixture at Luveve in the reverse fixture last season.
Online Reporter