adminEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
JOEY “Mafero” Antipas is on cloud nine after his club Chicken Inn claimed both awards for the Castle Lager Coach of the Month and Player of the Month for May, following a stellar performance by the Bulawayo side.
The Gamecocks are ruling the roost as they sit on top of the table after 13 games.
Their coach Antipas was rewarded for his team’s fine run when he was unveiled as the winner of the Coach of the Month accolade which carries $500.
Antipas missed the joint March/April award, which was the first for this year, when he was beaten to the medal by Triangle’s Kelvin Kaindu.
But there was to be double joy in their camp this month when he was named the best coach while their find of the season, Edmore Chirambadare, was for the second time in a row named Player of the Month.
The former Warriors mentor attributed the team’s success to the commitment by the players and the club’s leadership for their support.
“I feel honoured to win the award and I believe it’s a result of commitment by the whole team.
“These boys are all geared up and they are serious with what they are doing,” said Antipas.
“We are always looking to improve, we are looking to have a better season than we had last year.
“Hard work has paid off for the team so far but let me say we have won some battles and there are still some wars to be fought.”
Antipas’ men have had a steady run this year.
The Gamecocks had opened a five-point gap at the summit when the league took a three-week break last Sunday to pave way for the national team’s assignments.
They have 29 points in the bag while Triangle are in second place with 24. At this stage last season, Chicken Inn were lying seventh with 20 points on their way to a sixth place finishing.
But they look serious challengers for honours this season.
Antipas won the league championship with Motor Action in 2010 and could be inching close to his second title.
Chicken Inn have glided this high, thanks largely to their goal scoring prodigy Chirambadare who is currently leading the Castle Lager Premiership charts with eight goals.
The 22-year old striker stormed the Premiership this season after helping Tsholotsho Pirates gain promotion from the ZIFA Southern Region where he won the Golden Boot.
He was named the Player of the Month for joint April/May award and has done it again this month.
“I think Eddie (Chirambadare) deserves the recognition because he has been in outstanding form this season. He has been banging in the goals for us and was also involved in some assists.
“I hope the lad will keep his head on his shoulders and stay focused. He needs to continue working hard for himself and for the team without getting carried away,” said Antipas.
Chirambadare was happy with his achievement.
“This award my second of the season is as a result of team effort and support without both the technical department and teammates’ support l wouldn’t have attained this.
“I would like to continue working hard for the team and myself as the league is still a long way to go,” he said.
Chicken Inn will host Dongo Sawmill when the league programme resumes on June 27 before engaging Harare giants CAPS United in back-to-back fixtures.
Online Reporter