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Innocent Kurira, [email protected]

CHICKEN INN head coach Joey Antipas has revealed the team has already begun rebuilding for the 2025 league season, aiming to become a dominant force.

The 2015 league champions have struggled with consistency in the 2024 season, mirroring their performance under previous coaches Prince Matore and Farai Tawachera in 2023.

Antipas’ return to the dugout at the start of the 2024 season was expected to bring a change in fortunes, but the team has still underperformed.

Last season, Chicken Inn finished with 49 points from 11 wins, 16 draws and seven losses. With one game remaining in the current season, their record stands at 11 wins, 13 draws and nine losses.A victory in their final match could see them match last season’s points tally.

“We’ve started rebuilding for next season, having productive meetings with the club president,” Antipas said. “We’ll bring in a few quality players and be a force to reckon with. “We’ve identified our targets and are in negotiations.”

Joey Antipas

Chicken Inn’s stability is bolstered by robust support from Simbisa Brands, a valuable asset amid local football clubs’ economic hardships. The team has enjoyed consistent backing from Simbisa Brands and partners Bonvie Medical Aid Scheme, Black Shark, and Zibuko Capital since 2018, with InnBucks recently joining as the latest partner.

“We’re grateful for our partners’ support, which enables us to plan for the future,” Antipas added.

The 2025 season promises renewed optimism for Chicken Inn as Antipas and his team work towards reclaiming their position among Zimbabwe’s football elite.

They will be hoping to retain some of their key players who include captain Xolani Ndlovu, Itai Mabunu, Mpumelelo Bhebhe and Brendan Rendo. It remains to be seen how the team will behave in the transfer market. — -@innocentskizoe