Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHICKEN Inn coach Joey Antipas believes his side can rise to the occasion when they host log leaders Scottland in a crucial Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash at Barbourfields Stadium on Friday.
The fixture, originally scheduled for Saturday, was brought forward by the PSL to accommodate the Warriors’ preparations for their Fifa World Cup qualifier against South Africa. The adjustment has left the Gamecocks with less time to prepare, but Antipas insists his players must dig deep.
Chicken Inn’s recent struggles have turned this into a survival battle. They sit 10th on the table with 33 points — just one place above the relegation zone. A defeat could drag them closer to danger, while a victory would not only boost morale but also disrupt Scottland’s title charge.
“We’re not safe and we have to get out of the position we find ourselves in. It’s a big game for us. We’re playing at home and we must ensure we come away with a positive result. It’s certainly going to be an exciting match. They’re a talented side with some of the best players in the country. We tried to have the game moved to the weekend, but that wasn’t possible. Now, we just have to fight tooth and nail to get a result,” said Antipas.
Scottland, chasing their first league crown, head to Bulawayo with momentum and belief —but they know Barbourfields will be no walk in the park. The sides share a tense history. Their reverse fixture at Rufaro Stadium in May was abandoned amid chaos following a disputed penalty decision against Chicken Inn.
The match was later awarded to Scottland as a 3–0 victory, while Chicken Inn were fined US$5 000 and midfielder George Majika received a US$1 000 penalty for sparking the melee.
That afternoon ended in uproar, with goalkeeper Bernard Donovan refusing to continue under poor lighting conditions, prompting the referee to call off the contest. Friday’s meeting carries both the weight of those scars and the urgency of current stakes.
Elsewhere in Week 30 action, Highlanders travel to Harare for a Sunday clash against Herentals at Rufaro. TelOne host Kwekwe United at Ascot Stadium, MWOS face GreenFuel at Ngoni Stadium, Manica Diamonds meet Triangle United at Sakubva, Simba Bhora take on CAPS United at Wadzanayi, ZPC Kariba welcome Bikita Minerals to Nyamhunga, and Dynamos battle Ngezi Platinum Stars at Rufaro. Defending champions FC Platinum close out the round at home to Yadah Stars at Mandava.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Week 30 fixtures
Friday
Chicken Inn v Scottland (Barbourfields Stadium)
Saturday
TelOne v Kwekwe United (Ascot Stadium), MWOS v GreenFuel (Ngoni Stadium), Manica Diamonds v Triangle United (Sakubva Stadium), Simba Bhora v CAPS United (Wadzanayi Stadium), ZPC Kariba v Bikita Minerals (Nyamhunga Stadium), Dynamos v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Rufaro Stadium), FC Platinum v Yadah Stars (Mandava Stadium)
Sunday
Herentals College v Highlanders (Rufaro Stadium)
