derick.khumalo
Fungai Muderere [email protected]
CHICKEN Inn have been handed a selection setback ahead of their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against Simba Bhora at Wadzanai Stadium tomorrow, with influential player Lincoln Mangaira ruled out through injury.
Mangaira’s absence comes as the Gamecocks prepare for what promises to be an emotionally charged encounter, with Chicken Inn head coach Tonderai Ndiraya acknowledging the intriguing history linking members of his technical team with Simba Bhora.
Ndiraya expects those connections to add another layer of emotion to an already important league fixture, but insists his charges will have to keep their focus firmly on the task at hand.
“It is an interesting match with lots of emotions because of the history shared between some of Chicken Inn FC’s technical team members and Simba Bhora FC,” said Ndiraya.
While the Gamecocks will have to do without Mangaira, Ndiraya is encouraged by the competition within his squad as his charges look to turn renewed confidence into a positive result on the road.
“Lincoln Mangaira will be the only player missing due to a calf injury,” he said.
Chicken Inn and Simba Bhora head into the encounter having both drawn their previous matches, setting up an evenly poised contest, although Simba Bhora will enjoy home advantage.
“We all drew our previous matches and that sets a level playing field although Simba will enjoy home advantage,” said Ndiraya.
The Chicken Inn coach is also encouraged by the competition within his squad, which he believes has helped raise the intensity of preparations ahead of the important encounter.
“Great competition at training and renewed confidence in the squad will be of much importance in the game,” he said.
With Mangaira sidelined, the rest of the Gamecocks squad will be expected to step up as Chicken Inn seek maximum points away from home.
The Simba Bhora-Chicken Inn encounter forms part of an action-packed Week 29 programme, with Highlanders hosting Triangle United in another fixture carrying strong interest in Bulawayo.
Elsewhere, Ngezi Platinum Stars will take on Manica Diamonds, while Dynamos face TelOne. Scottland will meet MWOS, with Hardrock taking on GreenFuel.
ZPC Kariba will host Bulawayo Chiefs, Herentals will face Yadah, while CAPS United will entertain FC Platinum as the league resumes its full programme.
The nine matches provide another opportunity for teams to collect valuable points as the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign moves deeper into its crucial stages.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League – Week 29
Simba Bhora v Chicken Inn
Highlanders v Triangle United
Ngezi Platinum Stars v Manica Diamonds
Dynamos v TelOne
Scottland v MWOS
Hardrock v GreenFue)
ZPC Kariba v Bulawayo Chief)
Herentals v Yadah
CAPS United v FC Platinum
— @FungaiMuderere.
Online Reporter