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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
CHAMPIONS Chicken Inn have moved to beef up their squad ahead of the 2016 season by signing unheralded former Zambian youth international striker Trust Gomezani Mkandawire.
Mkandawire, 22, is expected to arrive in Bulawayo from Kitwe, Zambia, this morning.
The striker spent the last half of 2015 playing for African Stars in Namibia following a stint with Power Dynamos in his home country.
Mkandawire scored nine goals in 14 appearances for African Stars last year.
Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas said Mkandawire is one of their targeted players to replace some Gamecocks players that have attracted interest from some South African clubs.
Some Chicken Inn players that attracted interest from South African clubs include winger Edmore Chirambadare and striker Mitchelle
Katsvairo, who play in positions that Mkandawire is reportedly comfortable in.
“We have to strengthen our side because there are high possibilities of us losing players that impressed during our Caf Champions League campaign.
“The Zambian striker trained with us during our tour in Ndola and showed good touches. He is a good player and one of those we are targeting in anticipation of losing some players to South Africa,” said Antipas.
Mkandawire will become Chicken Inn’s fifth buy during the present pre-season. Chicken Inn acquired striker Obidiah Tarumbwa and defender Teenage Hadebe from Bantu Rovers, winger Physwell Madhazi from Dongo Sawmill and Flame Lily striker Moses Demera.
Mkandawire is aware of the competition that awaits him at Chicken Inn.
“I know I have to work hard and the guys there are good players. They invited me when they were in Zambia and I believe the coach saw something in me.
“I don’t want to disappoint him for the faith he has shown in me leading to this invitation,” said Mkandawire from Zambia yesterday
derick.khumalo