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Lifa Ncube

Paul Mundandi Sports Correspondent
CHAMPIONS Chicken Inn have had a change of heart and will now participate in the Caf Champions League next year. The Bulawayo side, who announced last week they were not prepared for the rigours of the continental competition, yesterday said they have now decided to play in the tournament. The Gamecocks’ chairman Lifa Ncube said they have decided to take on the challenge.

“I can confirm that we’ll be playing in the Champions League. We’re now venturing into Africa. We felt the boys did so well and we can only reward them by playing in the Champions League.

“It’s a lifetime experience for some players, who did so well for our club this season, and this will be a big thank you to them. “Chicken Inn is a brand in Africa and we’ll also be advertising ourselves by playing in the Champions League,” said Ncube.

Zifa spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela confirmed that the Gamecocks had sent their papers through for registration. Gwesela also confirmed Harare City’s participation in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The Sunshine City Boys won the Chibuku Super Cup to clinch the ticket to represent Zimbabwe in the competition. The deadline for confirmation lapsed at midnight. “Chicken Inn wrote to us today (yesterday) confirming their participation. We would want to thank the PSL, the club and its leadership as well as their sponsors for taking such a noble decision.

“So Zimbabwe will be represented in both competitions as we’ve entered Harare City for the Confederation Cup. We’ve already entered these two teams and Caf have confirmed receipt of our applications.

“We’re confident that the participation of these teams in the Caf inter-club competitions will go a long way in raising the standard of our league as well as the general development of football in the country.

“We wish both teams success and glory in the prestigious competitions. As an association we’ll provide essential guidance where it’s required,” said Gwesela.

Zimbabwe will now have a team to represent them after former champions Dynamos failed to participate last season in the premier inter-club competition citing financial challenges.

Chicken Inn were crowned champions after they finished on 61 points while Dynamos finished second on 57 points. FC Platinum staged a good fight following a slow start this season to end the season in third place after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Dongo Sawmill at Vengere in their last match.