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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
LOCAL Premiership favourites Chicken Inn FC have come to the rescue of financially crippled Zifa by paying all medical expenses for their left back Devine Lunga, who was injured on national duty.

The 20-year-old twisted a knee ligament on his senior national team debut in the Warriors’ 2-0 win over Comoros in a Chan qualifier at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.

Lunga had a decent game for the Warriors on the left side of defence after being thrown into the fray to fill the gap left by Ronald Pfumbidzai, who is bound for Swedish club Hobro.

The Chan is strictly for home-based players.

The Gamecocks’ rising star twisted his knee in an attempt to block a corner while unmarked.

Zifa only facilitated an X-ray for Lunga on Monday where it was detected that his knee ligaments had two cracks and then booked him a flight to Bulawayo.

The national association then promised to liaise with Chicken Inn when “assisting” the defender.

Chicken Inn chairman Lifa Ncube said they cannot wait for Zifa and would pay all medical bills for Lunga.

“It will be dire for us to wait for Zifa to pay Lunga’s medical expenses. They did their part in Harare by taking him for a scan and flying him to Bulawayo. We’ll take care of Lunga’s treatment. We’ll do everything to ensure he recovers quickly because he’s an important member of our squad,” said Ncube.

He said Lunga’s injury could be a blessing in disguise for young Thulani “Tshisa” Nxusani, who is registered as part of the Under-20 quota.

Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas said Lunga is likely to be out for six weeks. He said they would not rush the player back into action.

“According to the doctor’s brief, he’ll be out for about three to six weeks. The doctor is still studying how serious the injury is before making a decision. I spoke to Devine and he told me he is in pain. Most likely he might get a knee brace but all that depends on the doctor’s advice,” said Antipas.

“His absence will certainly be felt but he needs to relax and take time off to heal. We won’t rush him back even if he recovers before six weeks. We’re looking at having him back in full training maybe towards the end of August.”

Antipas said Brian Mbiriri will compete with Nxusani for the left back position for Saturday’s game against bottom placed Dongo Sawmills at Luveve Stadium.

Chicken Inn will bank on skipper Danny “Deco” Phiri as well as leading PSL goal scorer Edmore Chirambadare, national Under-23 central defender Lawrence Mhlanga, attacking midfielder Raphael Kutinyu, Mitchell Katsvairo and veteran midfielder Clemence Matawu for victory against the relegation candidates.

The Gamecocks, however, have to keep a close eye on Sawmills’ Martin Tapiwa, Njovo Khumbulani, Kudzai Chideu and roving midfielder Shepherd Sithole.

PSL’s 2009 Soccer Star of the Year Evans Chikwaikwai is also in the books of Dongo Sawmills and would be facing his former paymasters for the first time.

Premiership Fixtures

Saturday: FC Platinum v Buffaloes (Mandava), Chicken Inn v Dongo Sawmills (Luveve), Harare City v Caps United (Rufaro, 3PM SuperSport)

Sunday: Dynamos v Highlanders (Rufaro, 3PM SuperSport), Whawha v Chapungu (Ascot), How Mine v Hwange (Luveve), Triangle United v ZPC Kariba (Gibbo), Tsholotsho FC v Flame Lily (White City)