The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
LAST season, Chicken Inn took all six points on offer against Dynamos with wins home and away, something they would be looking to lay a foundation for when the two teams clash at Barbourfields Stadium in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer contest this afternoon.
The 2015 champions started their title defence on a high note last year when they demolished Dynamos 3-0 at Emagumeni. Chicken Inn were under the mentorship of Joey Antipas who was later lured by South Africa side AmaZulu. Antipas was succeeded by Rahman Gumbo who completed the double with a 3-2 triumph in Harare.
It is a clash between two teams that have picked up form after a slow start to the season and have in recent weeks occupied top spot. Dynamos, who looked like they will struggle at the beginning of the season, have not tasted defeat since they were beaten 1-0 by Black Rhinos on 18 May. Chicken Inn on the other hand had their fine run ended by Chapungu who beat them 2-0 at Ascot last Saturday. That defeat to Chapungu brought to an end a six-match unbeaten streak for Chicken Inn who had won five times and drawn once.
With both sides showing such great form in recent weeks, the outcome of the match is hard to predict. Dynamos last beat Chicken Inn at Barbourfields in 2015 when Roderick Mutuma’s goal gave them a 1-0 victory. But that result did not stop the Gamecocks from being crowned champions for the first time since they got into the PSL in 2011.
In the 12 matches played between the two sides since 2011, Chicken Inn have emerged victorious four times, Dynamos have won three while there have been five draws. But Chicken Inn have lost two of their star players, defender Teenage Hadebe and Tafadzwa Kutinyu who have left for greener pastures outside the country. Dynamos on the other hand received some good news during the week when 2012 Soccer Star of the Year Denver Mukamba signed a contract extension after the one-year deal he had expired at the end of June.
Mukamba has been instrumental in DeMbare’s rise in recent weeks and had a brilliant outing when Dynamos beat Bantu Rovers 2-0 at the National Sports Stadium, a result which saw them temporarily sit on top of the log until Ngezi Platinum Stars overtook them with a 1-0 triumph over FC Platinum the following day.
If Mukamba can strike the right chord with Emmanuel Mandiranga, Obey Mwerahari, Lincoln Zvasiya, Christian Epoupa, Tawanda Macheke, Takunda Sadiki and Masimba Mambare Dynamos can walk away with the three points this afternoon. Dynamos have to do without Ocean Mushure and head coach Lloyd Mutasa who are with the Warriors at the Cosafa Castle Cup which ends today in South Africa.
Chicken Inn have beefed up their squad with the signing of attacking midfielder Collins Duhwa from Shabanie Mine. Duhwa, who turned out for Tsholotsho last season should fill in the gap left by the departure of Kutinyu. Veterans Clemence Matawu, Moses Jackson and Obadiah Tarumbwa have a massive role to play in ensuring that Chicken Inn preserve their impressive record against Dynamos.
Besides the three, Elvis Chipezeze, a rejuvenated Guide Goddard, hard tackling Thabani Goredema, skilful George Majika, Passmore Bernard, Chris Samakweri and Darryl Nyandoro are some of the key players Gumbo would be banking on this afternoon.
Meanwhile, Dynamos national supporters chapter vice-chairman Walter Taranhike has called upon DeMbare fans to come to Emagumeni early to avoid hassles. The Bulawayo based Taranhike also appealed to fellow supporters to desist from throwing missiles.
“Once again we urge our supporters to come in large numbers and come early to avoid hassles. Desist from invading the pitch or throwing objects onto the field to avoid the wrath of PSL Disciplinary Committee, no one is spared by these economic hardships so as a club we wouldn’t want to lose money in fines. We are going to cheer our team on and expect a bumper crowd from the Mpilo End to sing for the team throughout the match,’’ he said.
With the biggest team in Bulawayo, Highlanders not in action this weekend, fans should come out in their numbers. Even Bosso fans are expected to witness today’s match and there is no prize for guessing which team they will be backing. The last time Dynamos played at Barbourfields, they only played 41 minutes against Highlanders before the match was abandoned at 1-1 as Bosso fans protested against the awarding of Epoupa’s goal. One other fixture is lined up for this afternoon, Triangle play host to Ngezi Platinum at Gibbo.
Fixtures
Today: Triangle United v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Gibbo), Chicken Inn v Dynamos (Barbourfields)
Results
Yesterday: FC Platinum 1- 0 Chapungu, How Mine 2-1 Harare City, Yadah 0- 2 Shabanie Mine, Bantu Rovers 0-0 Bulawayo City
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