It might be early days in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, but newcomers Chicken Inn are dishing out delicacies having grilled former champions Gunners at Luveve Stadium on Saturday to move into second place on the standings.
From three games, the Innscor Africa-powered team is yet to lose after drawing 2-2 against Blue Ribbon in the season opener before defeating Shabanie Mine 2-0 and Gunners by the same scoreline.
With seven points, they are the better performing team in the Southern Region with Highlanders struggling on four points after a win, loss and a draw while FC Platinum are second best with a 100% record from two matches.
Chicken Inn, with that Midas touch from former Warriors international Adam Ndlovu, have assembled a squad marshalled by former AmaZulu, Monomotapa and Legia Warsaw defender Herbert Dick.
So far, Chicken Inn seem to be finding the back of net from different pairs of legs with Thomas Chimenya and Heritani Masuku scoring in the Blue Ribbon draw, Thabani Goredema firing a brace against whipping boys Shabanie and Canaan Nkomo and Dick claiming Gunners’ scalp.
Assistant coach Ndlovu attributed the consistency to diligence from the players.
“It is hard work from the players. They are committed to their game and want to do well in the league. They are really raring to keep the rhythm of the game,” Ndlovu said.
But Gunners did not give Chicken Inn the three points on a silver platter and the visitors could have scored more goals but goalkeeper George Chigova shut out the hosts’ attackers on many an occasion.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Veterans Ashley Rambanepasi, Leonard Tsipa and Elvis Meleka also gave Chicken Inn a headache, but things did not go their way.
FC Platinum were also on cloud nine as they beat Monomotapa 3-0 with goals from reigning Footballer of the Year Charles Sibanda who netted a brace, and Bhekimpilo Ncube.
The duo notched up a goal each when FC Platinum beat Shooting Stars 2-0 in their first match. Bulawayo soccer giants Highlanders had a hectic day on Sunday as they were held to a goalless draw by Masvingo United.
Bosso’s attacking formula seemed uncalculated and strikers Njabulo Ncube and Graham Ncube could not pull off any tricks against Masvingo goalkeeper Francis Tizayi.
Graham was denied his chance by the right upright post in the first half and Eric Mudzingwa had his chances but was shut out by the alert Tizayi, whose side remains unbeaten in three starts.
Zimbabwe Saints, who last week beat Kiglon 1-0 to collect their first set of points at Luveve Stadium, fell casualty to Black Mambas at Morris Depot on Sunday giving the police side their first victory in the 2011 season.
Hwange, yet to register a win in the league, held Kiglon to a goalless draw at Gwanzura Stadium on Sunday before losing 2-1 to Masvingo at Mucheke.
Hwange drew 0-0 with Gunners at the Colliery in their first match.
