Show real character: Antipas Joey Antipas will be hoping that Chicken Inn don't choke again

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
A real test of character awaits the three Castle Lager Premier Soccer League championship chasing teams Chicken Inn, FC Platinum and Dynamos when they face opponents who are on different missions.

Table-toppers Chicken Inn take on How Mine at Luveve Stadium this afternoon in a Bulawayo derby where besides the bragging rights at stake, the miners want to end their eight-match winless streak.

In Zvishavane, FC Platinum who are second on the table tied on 45 points with Dynamos play host to Whawha who are fighting relegation while defending champions Dynamos battle it out with Harare City tomorrow at Rufaro Stadium.

Harare City are sixth on the table and a victory against the reigning champions will keep their hopes of a top four finish alive.

However, focus is on Chicken Inn who are on course for a maiden title. The Gamecocks need nothing other than a victory.

Having dropped three-crucial points against Dynamos in their last league game, Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas has demanded his players to show “real character” by bouncing back to winning ways.

“Dropping points is all part of the game but we have to show real character and bounce back against difficult opponents,” said Antipas.

The 2010 championship winning coach with Motor Action knows How Mine are a dangerous lot on a good day.

“I think we’re facing strong opponents who’ve got experience in their side. I believe this is a game that we’ve got to give our best and treat like a final if we’re to remain in the position that we’re at. Like I said, it won’t be easy and at this time of the season you’ve got to cultivate a smash and grab attitude. I’m really looking forward to a very demanding encounter,” Antipas said.

The Chicken Inn’s gaffer has a clean bill of health with the only suspended player being national Under-23 midfielder Rafael Kutinyu.

Elvis Chipezeze will guard Chicken Inn’s goal with Guide Goddard sitting it out. Antipas will likely use the central defence partnership of Lawrence Mhlanga and Moses Jackson while Passmore Bernard and Brian Mbiriri occupy the wingbacks.

Skipper Danny “Deco” Phiri who has had a great season, driving Chicken Inn’s midfield, veteran Clemence Matawu, Bhekimpilo Ncube, Thabani Goredema, Toto Banda and George Majika are some of the midfielders at Antipas’ disposal.

Edmore Chirambadare and Mitchell Katsvairo will lead their attack with Ishamel Lawe most likely to come from the bench as a second half substitute.

How Mine also have a fairly good side which has been unfortunate to be on a winless streak. Former national team defender Gilbert Banda and Victor Kamhuka will be assigned to keep Chirambadare and Katsvairo under lock and key. Tapiwa Khumbuyani or Morris Kadzola will occupy the right side of defence, Moses Gutu playing at left back.

How Mine’s co-coaches Jeremiah Makota and Sheunesu Chaka may decide to use two defensive midfielders Menard Mupera and Devon Chafa, in a move meant to protect their defence and limit damage.

Heritein Masuku, Wonder Sithole, Benjamin Marare, Timothy January and Thembani Masuku will compete for the other three midfield places while Kuda Musharu is favourite to play as a lone striker.

Some of the attacking options that How Mine have include Young Warriors’ Mgcini Sibanda Nefitary Ndale, and Godfrey Nguwodzawo.

In other matches, Tsholotsho FC play Buffaloes at Mutare’s Sakubva Stadium knowing that nothing other than a victory will enhance their survival chances. Tomorrow, Triangle United will look towards consolidating their top four finish by beating Flame Lily at Gibbo Stadium.

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