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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
CENTRAL defender Mpumelelo Bhebhe says he is enjoying life at his new side, Chicken Inn Football Club where he has played both opening matches in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League and his team is yet to concede a goal.

Bhebhe is enjoying a good run in the heart of the Gamecocks defence where he partners Dominic Jaricha.

Interestingly, the two joined Chicken Inn FC this season from relegated Bulawayo City where they were the two central defenders towards the end of the season.

The Gamecocks appear to be benefiting from the pair’s relationship built at Amakhosi last year.

Bhebhe, who delivered a Man-of-the-Match performance when Chicken Inn beat Simba Bhora 1-0 at the weekend, is a happy man.

“I can’t really explain the feeling. It has been quite a journey for me. I have come a long way to get here and I will keep working hard so that l don’t lose the first team jersey. There is stiff competition for places at the club so I cannot afford to relax,” said Bhebhe.

The Gamecocks parted ways with their ageing centre-backs, Moses Jackson and Guide Goddard at the end of last season after they started working on acquiring coaching badges.

Mpumelelo Bhebhe

Bhebhe, who made his PSL debut as a 16-year-old while turning out for the now defunct Bantu Rovers in 2017, is expected to provide healthy competition in the Gamecocks rearguard.

The club’s backline already has another former Bulawayo City player Vincent Moyo, towering Itai Mabunu and left back Nielson Ketala among other equally gifted players.

Mpumelelo Bhebhe (left) and Dominic Jaricha

Bhebhe is grateful to his coach Prince Matore for his form.

“I have been learning from my defensive partner Jaricha and most importantly the coach who was a defender in his playing days.

“I have been taking notes from other senior players as well and this has helped me become the player that l am. I would love to win the league here and become a top player for Chicken Inn. The dream obviously is to someday play outside the country,” said Bhebhe.

Chicken Inn’s next assignment is an away tie against Cranborne Bullets before they face Highlanders the following week. -@innocentskizoe