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THE three teams with a realistic chance of being crowned the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions, Chicken Inn, FC Platinum and Dynamos are headed for frantic times.
Log leaders Chicken Inn have a lot to do in their quest to keep the chasing pack of FC Platinum and Dynamos from overtaking them. The Gamecocks after the long journey to Kariba for the NetOne Easycall Cup return to Bulawayo for an “away” fixture against Tsholotsho at White City Stadium on Wednesday before taking on Harare City at Luveve Stadium three days later on Saturday.
Should Joey Antipas’ side manage to fend off the challenge from FC Platinum although Dynamos have an outside chance, they will lift the country’s coveted Premier League trophy come their last league match against Flame Lily at Lafarge Stadium on 28 November. It will be Chicken Inn’s first ever title while it will be the second for Antipas who lifted it with the now defunct Motor Action.
Antipas pointed out that they were looking to convert the draws that they have been posting into wins in their last three matches and hope that those challenging them for the championship lose their way during this stage.
“It is the last three games of the season, hopefully we can pull it off, we are hoping to change our fortunes, change the draws into wins, positive frame of mind good attitude, you never know what is going to happen. We have to win our games and hope for slip ups from the chasing pack,’’ said Antipas.
To show that they were serious about the championship, the Gamecocks rested key players for the EasyCall Cup quarter-final against ZPC Kariba yesterday.
Those who did not make the long journey to Kariba were Danny Phiri, Passmore Bernard, Brian Mbiriri, Elvis Chipezeze, Moses Jackson, Clemence Matawu and Edmore Chirambadare. FC Platinum, two points behind Chicken Inn travel to Harare to meet Flame Lily on Wednesday, before they welcome Caps United at Mandava Stadium on Saturday with their last encounter in Rusape against Dongo Sawmill. If Norman Mapeza’s side maintain their composure they could be holding aloft the winner’s trophy at Vengere Stadium on 28 November.
Dynamos, famous for leaving it till late over the years make the trip to Rusape for a date with Dongo Sawmill on Wednesday before they go up against Chapungu at Rufaro Stadium. They conclude their season with a visit to Mutare where they meet Buffaloes at Sakubva Stadium.
Under Kalisto Pasuwa, DeMbare were famous for clinching the championship right at the end but now with Tonderai Ndiraya, it might no longer be in their hands.
The Glamour Boys, six points away from the log leaders need both FC Platinum and Chicken Inn to falter in order for them to record a 5th straight championship, a remarkable feat indeed. Exciting times lie ahead as the destiny of the championship will be won and lost in the remaining three fixtures.
derick.khumalo