The Sunday Mail
Fungai Muderere in Bulawayo
Bulawayo Chiefs …………………….3
Chicken Inn …………………………..1
EVERYONE loves to witness the underdogs upsetting the favourites, unless it is your own club involved, and this is exactly what happened when Chicken Inn was humbled at the hands of relegation threatened Bulawayo Chiefs.
Yesterday, Joey Antipas took title contenders Gamecocks to Luveve with victory expected to be a formality.
But, Amakhosi Amahle were no mugs despite being one of the poorer sides in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
While journalists and supporters alike are still dissecting the clash a day later, Gamecocks know deep down in their hearts that they were out of sorts and deserved the shellacking they were handed in a match where Arthur Musiyiwa and two-goal hero Kundishora Chakanyuka were on target for Thulani Sibanda’s charges.
This took them to 11th place on the log with a total of 38 points.
Stocky forward Obriel Chirinda got the face saver for Antipas’ men in the 68th minute.
The defeat came days after Antipas, who is also the Warriors caretaker coach, led Zimbabwe to a 2-1 victory over Zambia, but the former Motor Action mentor knows that he has his work cut out if he is to win the championship race as Bulawayo Chiefs unmasked his side’s fragility.
“There is a God above and we will live with hope,” said a dejected Antipas.
He added: “Bulawayo Chiefs were hungrier than us. Our defending was very poor. We were found wanting, especially in our central defence.”
Chicken Inn, who are set to take on Herentals in their next fixture, remained on 53 points, two behind log leaders CAPS United.
The 2015 champions are likely to fall further behind in the championship race, depending on the outcome of CAPS’ derby clash with Dynamos and the FC Platinum assignment against Chapungu this afternoon.
Sibanda praised his charges for rising to the occasion.
“It was a tough game, but we have to thank our boys for showing the much-needed character. Managing to score three goals against a club like Chicken Inn shows that we really wanted to win. Our game plan worked well and in terms of fitness, we believe we are up there,” said Sibanda.
