Joey Antipas goes under the knife

Fungai Muderere
CHICKEN Inn head coach Joey Antipas has fully recovered from a recent eye operation he underwent in Harare soon after his clubaï¿½ï¿½s exit from the CAF Champions League inter club football contest at the hands of South Africaaï¿½ï¿½s Mamelodi Sundowns.

aï¿½?I had a problem with one of my eyes. I had to be operated on in Harare and I am glad that I have recovered. I went for a review here in Bulawayo today (Wednesday),aï¿½? said Antipas.

Antipasaï¿½ï¿½ brief absence saw his first assistant Prince Matore take full charge of the clubaï¿½ï¿½s training sessions.

Matore, who also worked with Antipas at the now defunct Motor Action, was also the main man during the clubaï¿½ï¿½s ZNA Charities Cup quarter-final tie against Highlanders played three weeks ago at Barbourfields Stadium.

Chicken Inn went down in a penalty shootout after the match had ended one-all in regulation time.

Meanwhile, Antipas said they were looking forward to a more competitive season.

The countryaï¿½ï¿½s 2016 Premier Soccer League season kicks off on 2 April.

aï¿½?We will be out to defend our title but I personally think competition will be very high this season. Highlanders seem to have got their act together. We have clubs like Caps United and Dynamos who are always out to compete to their very best. With newboys like Border Strikers, I think competition will be tight,aï¿½? said Antipas.

The Gamecocks have reportedly parted ways with veteran trio of Guide Goddard, Bhekimpilo aï¿½?Bhakhaaï¿½? Ncube and imposing forward David Temwanjira after bringing on board senior players that include Obadiah Tarumbwa, Teenage Hadebe, Moses Demera, Pyswell Madhazi and Pride Tafirenyika.

Last year, Chicken Inn qualified for Africaaï¿½ï¿½s biggest continental club tournament by virtue of clinching PSLaï¿½ï¿½s coveted title, while Dynamos secured the second spot after FC Platinum succumbed to draws and defeats in the final stages of the season.