Ndiraya sharpens Gamecocks for Triangle

CHICKEN INN coach Tonderai Ndiraya says his side must improve their transitional play when they face Triangle United this weekend, as the Gamecocks prepare to host their first home match of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season away from Luveve Stadium.

The Bulawayo club will play the match at Barbourfields after their traditional home ground failed to meet inspection standards set by the Zimbabwe First Instance Body.

Chicken Inn opened their campaign with a 1–1 draw against Herentals at Rufaro Stadium last Saturday. Ndiraya felt his side controlled the first-half but allowed the Students to grow into the game after the break.

“We were slow in transition at times against Herentals,” said Ndiraya. “It is something we have already started working on as we prepare for the next match against Triangle.”

The Gamecocks showed promise in patches during the opener, with Malawian striker Rahim Binwell Katinji catching the eye on his debut. The forward marked his first appearance with a well-taken goal and looked lively whenever Chicken Inn moved forward.

Right back Sefu Louison also impressed in his first outing. The stocky defender was solid at the back and frequently joined the attack down the flank.

Ndiraya kept faith with six players who were regular starters last season. Donovan Bernard, George Majika, Michael Charamba, Joseph Thulani, Itai Mabunu and Mpumelelo Bhebhe all featured against Herentals as the coach continues to shape his squad for the new campaign.

The next test comes against Triangle, a side that has often troubled Chicken Inn in past meetings.
Saturday’s match will take place at Barbourfields after Luveve Stadium was declared unfit to host league fixtures.

A report from the First Instance Body outlined several infrastructure and safety shortcomings at the venue. Inspectors noted the absence of a secure perimeter wall to control access and called for repairs to damaged terraces as well as the removal of vegetation from the stands.

The pitch also fell short of the required standards. Authorities want improvements to the drainage system so the surface can handle heavy rain and maintain proper filtration.

Inspectors also raised concerns about the facilities for teams and match officials.
The stadium has been instructed to redesign its dressing rooms to include proper changing areas for both teams and match officials, a medical room, a coordination office and designated media spaces within a secure competition zone.

Safety concerns were also flagged around emergency exits and spectator access. The stadium has been told to increase the number of entry and exit gates to at least eight and to install automated turnstiles capable of handling large crowds efficiently.

The inspection report concluded that Luveve will remain dehomologated until the required upgrades are completed.
The ruling means Chicken Inn will now share Barbourfields with other Bulawayo clubs that have also turned to the venue for home matches.

With several teams relying on the same ground, pressure on the Emagumeni surface is likely to increase, especially during busy midweek programmes.

For Ndiraya and his players, the focus now turns to the pitch as they chase their first win of the season when Triangle arrive in Bulawayo this weekend.