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SHEER determination from Chicken Inn players was a major input for the Gamecocks as they brought to a halt Mamelodi Sundowns’ 19-match unbeaten run at Barbourfields Stadium last week. The Zimbabwean champions beat the South Africans 1-0 in the first leg of the Caf Champions League preliminary round courtesy of a Mitchelle Katsvairo strike.

Chicken Inn’s fine strategy of sitting at the back and catching the visitors on the break paid off just after the half-hour mark when Katsvairo finished off a counter attacking move that was started by left back Devine Lunga and involved Tafadzwa Kutinyu.

Lunga won the ball deep in his own half and passed it to Kutinyu who in turn released Katsvairo and the former FC Platinum striker left Sundowns defender Wayne Arendse for dead before firing past Wayne Sandilands.

It was a goal that mesmerised the 10,000 plus supporters that watched the match and the victory came as a surprise to many who anticipated a walk in the park for Sundowns.

Remember, Sundowns came into the Chicken Inn match hyped with scary statistics which included scoring an incredible 15 goals in their last five matches and their last defeat was in September when they were beaten 1-2 by Golden Arrows, a club that they face this afternoon.

Those statistics did not frighten the Gamecocks who held their own against a star-studded Sundowns outfit.

What the Gamecocks should pride themselves in is that they managed to stop a Sundowns side that is running away with the South African Premiership title, something clubs in the Diski League have failed to do.

Just what is it that Chicken Inn did right against Sundowns?

The fact that Antipas managed to work on his team’s defensive frailties which were exposed in an invitational tournament played in Ndola, Zambia where they conceded seven goals in three matches should be commended.

In Ndola they drew 2-2 with Zanaco of Zambia, lost 1-3 to Tanzania’s Azam and capped their pre-season tour with a 0-2 defeat to Zambian champions Zesco.

Playing Sundowns wasn’t an easy game for the Gamecocks, who had only played three competitive matches in the run-up to the crunch game.

The results posted in Zambia were not what Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas wanted, but it served the purpose as they got some competitive game time and pointers on which areas to plug. I think Antipas proved to a shrewd tactician and knowing that his charges are coming from off-season, he took a cautious approach.

The Gamecocks had a solid defence that hardly crossed the centreline as they knew that their opponents were dangerous on quick breaks.

Antipas, the 2015 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Coach of the Year went on to crowd the midfield with equally skilful players who suffocated Sundowns’ supply line.

What could have shocked many was to see striker Edmore Chirambadare converted to leftlink, while dribbling wizard George Majika also proved that he is equally good in defence as he is offensively.

The two kept Sundowns’ wingbacks at bay and that confused the visitors whose strength has always been on wing play.

Sundowns tried to penetrate through the middle but found Danny “Deco” Phiri, Tafadzwa Kutinyu and Obidiah Tarumbwa closing space. Chicken Inn’s back four of Lawrence Mhlanga, Moses Jackson, Passmore Bernard and Devine Lunga was also watertight.

What one can’t deny is that Chicken Inn’s strategy and determination worked for them.

Now they are focused on the return leg and they have to strategise for Sundowns.

What the Gamecocks must consider is that their players are still not fully match fit and their opponents will come with everything at their disposal in the second leg.

Being ultra defensive against a side like Sundowns is highly discouraged because sitting back will be inviting trouble and the Gamecocks need also attack their opponents in a clever way.

With the match set to be played in the evening, the Gamecocks also need to schedule at least three training sessions at night so that some of their boys who have never played under floodlights familiarise themselves with the environment.

Playing under floodlights can affect their players’ vision and that’s what Sundowns will probably want to use to attack Chicken Inn.

Another thing that Antipas and his technical team must plan on is that the speed of the ball will be faster in South Africa than it was at Barbourfields Stadium.

In his post match interview after the defeat to Chicken Inn, Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane said the Barbourfields pitch was heavy and since they will be playing on light grass at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium next week, the ball speed will be faster at the Gamecocks need to be cautious.

I believe Chicken Inn have done themselves a big favour by chartering a coach to ferry supporters for the return leg at subsidised rates.

It’s only 700 rands, which is about $45 for the return trip and the Gamecocks have spiced it up by including a free Chicken Inn replica jersey which costs $15 and a ticket into the stadium.

It will be a good experience for local football lovers and travelling with the Gamecocks also prepares fans to support the national teams when they play outside the country.

The 12th player, the fans can do a lot in inspiring the Gamecocks.

Following their last weekend performance, Chicken Inn did themselves a favour as most Zimbabweans based in Pretoria and Johannesburg will come in their numbers to Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium to rally behind their countrymen.

Hopefully, the Gamecocks will be able to progress into the next round and if they maintain the same attitude and if their desire to win is more than their fear to lose, they stand a huge chance of upsetting the applecart.