Mabhena Returns to Chicken Inn

Innocent Kurira

Zimpapers Sports Hub

PHILANI Mabhena is back where it all began, and Chicken Inn are betting on his experience to reignite their season.

The 2015 league champions have bolstered their technical bench with the appointment of Mabhena as assistant coach to Joey Antipas. It’s a reunion of sorts. Mabhena was part of the coaching setup that guided Chicken Inn into the Premier Soccer League back in 2011, working under then-head coach Philani Ncube.

He replaces Fungai “Tostao” Kwashi, who was moved to the club’s development structures during the latter stages of the first half of the season.

Mabhena isn’t new to the club, or top flight football. His coaching journey has taken him through stints with Highlanders, FC Platinum, and How Mine, as well as spells in Botswana with Jwaneng Galaxy and Mochudi Centre Chiefs. Last season, he helped Eagle Life earn promotion to the ZIFA Southern Region League.

Chicken Inn confirmed the appointment in a statement released yesterday afternoon.

“The Chicken Inn FC family is excited to announce the homecoming of coach Philani Mabhena, who was instrumental in the promotion of Chicken Inn FC into the Premier League in 2010. Philani will be assistant to coach Joey Antipas. Mabhena brings a wealth of experience to the team, having coached at both youth development and Premier League level,” the statement read.

A CAF B licence holder, Mabhena is respected for his leadership and his eye for developing young talent, traits that align with Chicken Inn’s goal of nurturing emerging players and strengthening the club’s culture.

In the ongoing mid-season window, the club also concluded the loan signing of striker Lynoth Chikuhwa from Scottland FC. The 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Golden Boot winner, who scored 17 goals last season, has struggled for form this year, finding the net just once. Chikuhwa has been training with Chicken Inn for the past two days.

The Gamecocks are coming off a 2-1 win over Yadah FC and now shift focus to a crucial clash against FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium this Saturday.