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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
CHICKEN Inn FC gaffer Joey Antipas is set to rub shoulders with Germany giants Borrusia Dortmund when he goes for a month-long coaching attachment at the end of the season.
Antipas, whose team takes on Highlanders in a derby at the weekend, will be returning to the Bundesliga giants for the third time in four years having attended a similar programme in 2011 and at the beginning of last season.

The former national team assistant coach has also been to Denmark in the last four years for coaching attachments at Brondy FC and VFL Bochum.

“It’s important as coaches to create synergies that enhance our careers and thanks to former national team coach Dieter Klaus Pagels, I’ve managed to establish a good relationship with Borrusia Dortmund where I’ll be going for the third time in four years. Football evolves everyday and as such coaches should be able to adapt to changes. I’m looking forward to my trip to Germany which I’m confident will benefit my club,” Antipas said.

He will miss part of his team’s pre-season training.

“At the moment my concentration is on our remaining matches but I’ve informally communicated with the club officials about my intended trip to Germany and they seem to be comfortable with it. I’ll have to draw a pre-season training programme but I should be back before next season kicks off.”

At Chicken Inn, Antipas is assisted by Prince Matore and Sikhumbuzo “China” Banda.

Antipas, the championship winning coach with Motor Action in 2010, joined Chicken Inn last October, taking over from Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu who had thrown in the towel.

The Gamecocks, seventh on the table with 37 points from 25 matches, two points behind Highlanders, are psychologically better prepared compared to their weekend opponents as they have gone for three-league matches without a loss.

Bosso have gone for five games without a win and in the process conceding 11 goals.

Antipas is wary of Highlanders who he describes as “wounded lions.”

“The truth of the matter is that Highlanders will be dangerous especially seeing that they’ve been under a bad spell. They’re more of wounded lions and it’ll be a tricky encounter. What makes it more challenging is that it’s a city derby,” Antipas said.

Just like Highlanders, Chicken Inn have all to play for in terms of a top four finish that will guarantee them a place in the Mbada Diamonds Cup.

The last time the two sides met they played to a 1-1 draw.

“What we’re hoping for is a strong finish of the season and that means collecting maximum points in every game. If we win our remaining games, maybe we might make it for the end of season tournament.”

Fixtures
Friday: How Mine v Chiredzi (Hartsfield)
Saturday: Bantu Rovers v Shabanie Mine (Hartsfield), Black Rhinos v Hwange (Rimuka, 3PM SuperSport), FC Platinum v ZPC Kariba (Mandava)
Sunday: Buffaloes v Harare City (Sakubva), Triangle United v Caps United (Gibbo), Dynamos v Chapungu (Rufaro, 3PM SuperSport), Highlanders v Chicken Inn (Hartsfield)