Chicken Inn captain Danny “Deco” Phiri
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
CHICKEN Inn could be crowned the 2015 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions this afternoon if they beat Harare City at Luveve Stadium and FC Platinum falter against Caps United at Mandava Stadium.
Tsholotsho FC might also seal their Premiership status with a win over Bulawayo giants Highlanders, in the event that Buffaloes fall to Triangle United at Gibbo Stadium. Triangle coach Kelvin Kaindu is seeking a top four finish.
All focus though will be at Luveve Stadium this afternoon as Bulawayo fans will be eager to see the championship trophy finally leaving the capital after four years of dominance by Dynamos, who head into this weekend’s matches still mathematically in with a chance to claim an unprecedented fifth consecutive title.
“It’s a must win game, no doubt about that,” said Chicken Inn skipper Danny “Deco” Phiri yesterday.
That declaration alone proves that it will be a blood and thunder affair as the Chicken Inn boys push to carve their own piece of history.
Phiri admitted that the team was feeling some pressure, especially with the exciting reality that they could join the band of seven clubs that have lifted the Premiership trophy since its inception in 1993.
The other clubs to have lifted the league title since 1993 are Highlanders, Dynamos, Caps United, AmaZulu, Gunners, Monomotapa and Motor Action.
His coach Joe Antipas also admitted that pressure is indeed being felt in camp but is hopeful of a positive turn of events.
Tsholotsho have promised to give as much as they will surely get when they meet Highlanders at Emagumeni tomorrow afternoon.
Iziqholo zeZhwane said never in their mind did they ever dream of being given the game on a silver platter by Highlanders, but they will fight with all they have to come out with maximum points.
“We’re playing against a giant, that’s certain, but what’s also certain is that there shall be a real match on Sunday. We were taken by surprise when they said we’ll not get any favours from them as if we had asked for any. Football isn’t about mercy, it’s all about competing, and compete we will,” said Tsholotsho coach Lizwe Sweswe.
He said it was unfortunate that Bosso interim technical advisor Cosmos Zulu had declared that they will not be doing Tsholotsho any favours.
“I don’t know where he’s getting it from because we did not expect any favours from them at all. The way they played in Hwange is exactly the same way that we’ll also play. Kuzagijinywa for sure because fans and sponsors expect good football. They’re fighting for a top eight finish while we’re fighting for survival,” said Sweswe, who declared a clean bill of health in his camp.
In other matches set for tomorrow, ailing How Mine have a perfect chance to at least stop their freefall when they take on relegated Dongo Sawmill at Luveve Stadium.
At Ascot Stadium in Gweru, there will be a battle between relegated Whawha and relegation bound Flame Lily.
Fixtures
Today: Chicken Inn v Harare City (Luveve), FC Platinum v Caps United (Mandava), ZPC Kariba v Hwange (Nyamhunga), Dynamos v Chapungu (Rufaro)
Tomorrow: How Mine v Dongo Sawmill (Luveve), Highlanders v Tsholotsho (B/F), Whawha v Flame Lily (Ascot), Triangle United v Buffaloes (Gibbo)