Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Innocent Kurira, innocent.kurira@chronicle.co.zw
IN a bid to regain their competitive edge, Chicken Inn FC have begun their pre-season training in private.
According to club secretary Tavengwa Hara, the team will not be making many additions to the squad.
However, a notice regarding pre-season training suggests that they have already secured some of the coaches’ desired players.
“Our pre-season begins on Wednesday (yesterday). All sessions will be closed until further notice. New players should liaise with the team manager for training equipment and kits,” read the club release.
While the identities of the new signings remain uncertain, it has been confirmed that Arenel goalkeeper Aron Ngwenya will be joining the GameCocks.
“The coaches have expressed satisfaction with the majority of the personnel from last season. There will, of course, be a few additions, which will be announced in due course,” said Hara.
Already, Chicken Inn has 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.
Chicken Inn is likely to lose the services of goalkeeper Bernard Donovan, who is heavily linked with a move to South Africa.
The Zimbabwe Goalkeeper of the Year is reportedly close to securing a transfer to either SuperSport United, Polokwane City or Kruger United.
Ngwenya, who has attracted interest from several Premiership teams despite Arenel’s relegation, is set to replace Donovan.
Highlanders and TelOne had also expressed interest in signing Ngwenya, but a move to Chicken Inn has materialised.
Bosso had engaged in discussions with Ngwenya, who is on coach Kelvin Kaindu’s wishlist, but an agreement could not be reached regarding the player’s signing-on fee.
As it stands, a transfer to Kruger United appears likely for Donovan, according to sources close to the club.
Kruger United compete in the National First Division in South Africa.
Donovan began his football career at Aces Academy in 2003 before joining Motor Action, followed by stints at How Mine and Chicken Inn.
His impressive performances have earned him numerous call-ups to the Zimbabwe national team.
He managed to keep 20 clean sheets in the previous season. What makes Donovan an exceptional talent is the fact that he has achieved success without playing for the traditional big three.
Donovan’s potential move to South Africa is expected to not only boost his career but also raise the profile of Zimbabwean football.
With his exceptional talent and growing reputation, he is poised to become a household name in South African football. —@ innocentskizoe
