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Innocent Kurira, innocent.kurira@chronicle.co.zw
AS the new season looms, Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas, has called on other teams to raise their game, citing the high standards set by defending champions, Simba Bhora and Scottland.
Antipas, who has commenced pre-season training, believes the benchmark set by these two teams should serve as a catalyst for others to follow suit and strive for excellence.
For now, the seasoned coach is keeping his strategies and plans for the upcoming season under wraps, preferring to maintain an air of secrecy as he prepares his team for the challenges ahead.
“Right now, I would not want to comment on what the plan is and who is in and who is out. I prefer to handle that internally for now. One almost certain thing is that goalkeeper Donovan Bernard Donovan is most likely to join a team in South Africa, and we will be bringing in his replacement. It’s a welcome move for Donovan because he deserves to be playing outside the country. He has done well,” said Antipas.
Bernard is set to join Kruger FC who play in the South African National First Division.
Although he did not mention names, it is understood that Aron Ngwenya, who was with Arenel, will be joining the Gamecocks.
Already, Marlvin Hwata has joined Simba Bhora, which has been very aggressive in acquiring players for this transfer window along with Scottland.
Several high-profile players, including Walter Musona, Khama Billiat, Peter Muduhwa, Marvellous Chigumira, and Lynoth Chikuhwa, have joined Scottland.
Simba Bhora have also signed top players like Tonderayi Mateyaunga from CAPS United, First Gandisani (Bikita Minerals), defenders Carlos Mavhurume (Ngezi Platinum Stars) and Kelvin Gwao and midfielder Liberty Chakaroma (Manica Diamonds).
Additionally, Trevor Mavhunga, Donald Mudadi (Dynamos) and Never Tigere (Ngezi Platinum) have also joined the defending champions.
Antipas feels the way the two teams have been conducting their business should serve as a wake-up call for the rest of the league.
“They have set the bar high and now it’s up to the other teams to raise their game. They have increased competition in the league,” said Antipas.
“I’m excited about the prospects for next season. We’ve got a good squad and we’re working hard in pre-season. I’m confident that we can challenge for honours.”
The Gamecocks finished seventh last season with 47 points and will be pushing to improve this season.
Chicken Inn have also lost the services of Tafadzwa Kutinyu, who has assumed a coaching role at his former club Singida in Tanzania.
Veteran midfielder, Danny Phiri, could also be calling time on his playing career, with the club willing to offer him a coaching position, just as they did with some of their former players, Guide Goddard and Ben Nyahunzvi. — @innocentskizoe
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