MaNinja headache for Joey Antipas…Bosso, Gamecocks clash in Bulawayo derby

21 Apr, 2024 - 00:04 0 Views
MaNinja headache for Joey Antipas…Bosso, Gamecocks clash in Bulawayo derby Brighton “MaNinja” Ncube

Innocent Kurira , Sports Reporter

CHICKEN INN coach Joey Antipas is praying their former striker Brighton “MaNinja” Ncube will not turn out to be their chief tormentor when they face Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.

The forward who was deemed excess baggage at Chicken Inn is now flourishing at Bosso, where he has scored three goals this season.

Bosso seem to have managed to unlock the potential Chicken Inn could not see in the 25-year-old striker, who only scored one goal for them last season.

The striker has set himself a target of 10 goals this season.

Ncube and Lynoth Chikuhwa appear to have formed a lethal frontline for Bosso, as they now share seven goals between them.

However, it is Ncube who is giving Antipas a headache.

“It is unfortunate that we let him go but we have to carry on, he seems to have clicked with the Highlanders system. He has been with us and is a major threat to us,” said Antipas.

The veteran coach has predicted a difficult tie against Bosso.

“They are undefeated and are in great form. The only way to beat them is for us to be at our very best.

We are up against the team of the moment. They are playing great football. It’s a big game on our hands.

We just have to go out there and be at our best,” said Antipas.

Bosso coach, Kelvin Kaindu says it will not be an easy game for them as well. “We hope to see a good game of football. It’s the most difficult derby to play for us. They enjoy a good record against us, but derbies are never predictable. The preparations for the game have gone on well. We have no injuries from the last game, everyone is ready to play,” said Kaindu.

Both teams were in action on Independence Day, on Thursday.

Highlanders lost 1-0 to Dynamos while the GameCocks lost 5-3 on penalties to Bulawayo Chiefs. The two teams had played to a goalless draw in regulation time.

Both teams did not use their regular players for the ties.

Bosso is undefeated in the league and sits on top of the standings, with 14 points after six games.

Chicken Inn on the other hand is fourth on the table with nine points from six games.

The GameCocks go into this game at the back of an impressive 2-0 victory over Greenfuel at Luveve Stadium. Last season, the two sides played to a goalless draw in the first leg before Chicken Inn won the reverse fixture 2-0.

Across town at Luveve Stadium, Simba Bhora will face Bulawayo Chiefs in what also promises to be an exciting match.—@innocentskizoe

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