Chronicle Editor
Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
AN ankle injury picked up at training has effectively ruled Chicken Inn FC’s winger George Majika out for the remainder of the season.
Chicken Inn gaffer Joey Antipas said the 29-year-old Entumbane-bred footie star, one of the longest-serving players at the Gamecocks is expected to start training at the end of the month.
Antipas added that with four matches left before the season ends, Majika’s season is over.
“George got a knock at training and his leg was put on plaster just as a precaution. It’s nothing serious and he should be back at training after three weeks. That being said, his season is done because we’re left with four games and he will need another two weeks or so to be match fit. So, we will let him rest and recover for next season,” Antipas said.
Majika watched from the terraces as Chicken Inn surrendered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 against Highlanders on Sunday at Barbourfields Stadium.
The winger will miss Chicken Inn’s remaining games away at Herentals in Harare, a side that held them to a goalless draw in the first leg, Caps United at home, Yadah (away) and their last match of the season against Triangle United.
Chicken Inn, third on the table with 55 points, edged Caps United 1-0 in the first leg played in Harare, drew 1-1 at home against Yadah and beat Triangle United 1-0 at Gibbo Stadium.
Antipas wants his side to finish the season strongly and with his team already out of the title race as leaders FC Platinum just need two points from four games to wrap-up the championship, the Chicken Inn coach will give fringe players game time.
Already, 21-year-old right back Arthur Chinda, a product of Chicken Inn’s developmental side has featured prominently in their last matches, seemingly taking over from veteran Passmore Bernard.
Chicken Inn are already preparing for life after their 42-year-old captain Moses Jackson, with Antipas now preferring the Itai Mabunu and Vincent Moyo central defence partnership.
“In the last few games you will be seeing new blood in terms of fringe players getting some action. The likes of Moses Jackson have played their part and we need fresh faces. We want to build players’ confidence as we wrap up the season, meaning that we will keep fighting for positive results at the same time giving others a chance,” said Antipas. — Follow on Twitter @ZililoR
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