By Mthokozisi Dube
Wounded Bulawayo-based Premier Soccer League sides Chicken Inn and Bulawayo Chiefs are hoping to utilise Sunday’s derby to recharge their batteries after losing two games on the trot.
It has been a forgettable two weeks for Chicken Inn and Bulawayo Chiefs in which everything has gone wrong with the two Bulawayo based teams losing two matches on the bounce.
That they are meeting this weekend adds an interesting dimension with a thriller of some sort expected.
While Chicken Inn claimed bragging rights in the reverse fixture courtesy of a 2-1 victory, head coach Joey Antipas knows too well that derbies are unpredictable.
“It’s a local derby and derbies do not consider form. It’s a battle for wounded sides. We have lost two previous games, they have lost two, so we are in the same predicament. It’s going to be a fierce battle. We are facing a very tough and strong side also trying to go through their slump just like us. We need to win so that we keep pace with log leaders,” he said.
Another explosive battle is on the cards as a rejuvinated Bulawayo City welcome Tenax.
While the two teams are separated by two points, Bulawayo City head coach Farai Tawachera believes his charges are now fired up after winning two games since his arrival in May.
Said Tawachera, “The two wins have lifted the boys. Against Tenax, it’s another tricky encounter because we are separated by two points. They would want to consolidate their place, while we want to jump them, but we are ready for the challenge.”
Bulawayo City have roped in former Highlanders assistant coach Bekithemba Ndlovu, signed midfielder Solomon Sithole from Chiororo and lured former Bosso and Bulawayo Chiefs player Brighton Makopa, who was turning out for Vumbachikwe.
In other fixtures on Saturday, ZPC Kariba host Craneborne bullets at Nyamhunga stadium while Ngezi Platinum entertain Caps United at Baobab.
Taurayi Mangwiro faces his former pay masters when Harare City date Triangle United at the National Sports Stadium.
Whawha welcome Highlanders at Ascot, with the fixture between Manica Diamonds and Herentals set for Vhengere, concluding Saturday matches.
On Sunday, Dynamos host log leaders FC Platinum at the National Sports Stadium, while Black Rhinos have a date with Yadah at Vhengere Stadium.
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