Joey Antipas
Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
CHICKEN Inn coach Joey Antipas has given some of his key players a two-week break following his side’s recent exit from the Caf Champions League.
The Gamecocks agonisingly bowed out of the continental competition 1-2 on aggregate to Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa after their 1-0 first leg lead was cancelled by a 2-0 loss in Pretoria.
The players’ magnificent showing drew inquiries from South African clubs Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Supersport and Golden Arrows.
Antipas said the players getting two-weeks off are the quartet of goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, central defender Lawrence Mhlanga, attacking winger Edmore Chirambadare and striker Moses Demera, who were with the national team at last month’s African Nations
Championship (Chan) in Rwanda. Also taking a break is skipper Danny Phiri.
“We’ve got a long season ahead of us and it’s only prudent that we manage our players’ work load. Remember we started the season early preparing for the Caf Champions League and our training was hectic. Some of the boys were with the national team and they never had a break. We don’t want the players to burn out before the season starts and that is why we are giving the boys two weeks off. We want them refreshed when the season starts because our target is to retain the championship,” said Antipas.
He said they had also revised their training programme to give players time to recover.
The Gamecocks have also decided against playing pre-season friendly matches and will use their fringe players for the ZNA Charity Shield match against Highlanders.
On players that have reportedly attracted interest from South African clubs, Antipas said he has equally good replacements.
Striker Mitchelle Katsvairo, holding midfielder Tafadzwa Kutinyu, left-back Devine Lunga, Chirambadare, Mhlanga and goalkeeper Chipezeze could be joining the great trek south.
“We have a big squad and if these guys leave, which is about half way through the season, we won’t have problems in terms of replacements because there are boys that have been with us for a while and are waiting for a chance to break into the team. It will be good if some of our players find greener pastures elsewhere,” said Antipas.