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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
AUGUST Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Player of the Month Gift Mbweti will miss this afternoon’s clash pitting his Hwange outfit and champions Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium.
Mbweti, who is also the leading marksman in the domestic topflight league, is serving a one match suspension and his absence could prove to be a blow for the coalminers, who are eager to maintain their winning ways following their inspired 5-3 victory over Triangle United in their previous league match.
Hwange have failed to maintain consistency this season, blowing hot and cold, and are still not safe from the dreaded chop. Today they come up against a side that has slowly been gelling as the players warm up to coach Rahman Gumbo’s philosophy.
The GameCocks have lost just twice in the last eight games, both matches against platinum sides, Ngezi and FC Platinum.
Chicken Inn could have been among the championship favourites had the players quickly adapted to Gumbo’s style of play, especially after losing three key, influential players in Edmore Chirambadare and Michelle Katsvairo, who joined South African glamour side Kaizer Chiefs, as well as captain Danny Phiri, who found a new home at Golden Arrows in the same league in Durban.
Prospects of playing in South Africa could have been another factor that contributed to the team’s poor performance even under Joe Antipas, who is now at AmaZulu. Players are believed to have feared committing themselves for fear of sustaining injuries, while awaiting potential invitations for trials.
The GameCocks welcome back the national team trio of Lawrence Mhlanga, Tafadzwa Kutinyu and Teenage Hadebe for today’s clash.
@skhumoyo2000
Online Reporter