Story by Mthokozisi Dube
THE Bulawayo derby takes centre this weekend with 2015 champions Chicken Inn plotting an upset when they face log leaders Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium this Sunday.
The Bulawayo giants are top of the table with 14 points and yet to taste defeat this season while the Gamecocks are not too far behind on nine points.
History favours the Gamecocks who seem to have mastered the art of beating Highlanders in front of their fans.
Chicken Inn head coach, Joey Antipas has called on his players to step up.
“One of a kind game which will need us to be strong. We are facing a team of the moment that seems to have found the right groove, but we are ready for the game come Sunday,” he said.
Highlanders seem to have solved their blunt striker force with former Chicken Inn striker Brighton Ncube and Lynoth Chikuhwa having scored seven goals between them.
Chicken Inn are, however, confident of their chances in the crunch encounter.
“We have played in these derbies, so we are prepared to be the first team to stop Highlanders,” said Chicken Inn goalkeeper, Bernard Donovan.
Chicken Inn captain, Xolani Ndlovu said, “Everyone is raring to go, and we hope we will play as a unit and grind the win.”
Highlanders on the other hand have had a very good start to the season, but head coach Kelvin Kaindu is guarding against complacency.
“It is always good to start well rather than catching up and we know we have been there before, but we need to keep it up and guard against complacency because it’s not just about a good run but winning at the end,” he said.
The Gamecocks are coming from a morale-boosting two-nil victory over Green Fuel while Highlanders escaped unhurt at Baobab after sharing the spoils with Ngezi Platinum Stars in a one-all draw.
Premier Soccer League action starts on Saturday with former champions FC Platinum facing Bikita Minerals at Mandava Stadium, ZPC Kariba tackle Arenel Movers at Nyamhunga while Green Fuel host Herentals at the Green Fuel Arena with Yadah entertaining Chegutu Pirates at the Heart Stadium.
On Sunday, Dynamos date TelOne at Rufaro Stadium, last year’s runners-up Manica Diamonds welcome CAPS United to Sakubva Stadium as Bulawayo Chiefs host on-fire Simba Bhora at Luveve.
The last match of the weekend will see champions Ngezi Platinum Stars travelling to the colliery for a date against Hwange.
