CHICKEN Inn have dedicated their first silverware to late head coach Adam “Adamski” Ndlovu after beating Caps United 3-2 to lift their first ever silverware since gaining promotion into the Premier Soccer League two years ago.
Report by Ephraim Shoko
Adamski, as he was popularly known, died on December 16 last year in a horrific crash that left his younger sibling Peter with serious injuries.
Chicken Inn coach Mandla Mpofu, who was assistant to the late Adamski last season, said the entire Chicken Inn family owed the triumph to their late coach.
“We won this for Adamski and his spirit guided us to lift this cup. I, however, feel credit goes to the players because they were really determined to win this tournament.
“When Adam was still around, he assured us that we would win something and just needed to be patient for that to happen.
“I am sure his words have come true today (yesterday) and I am happy that we had done it for him.”
Chicken Inn started their tribute to Adamski on Saturday when they scored their first goal in the 2-1 victory over Monomotapa in the first semi-final when Thomas Chimenya walked to the touchline with his head bowed and his hand behind his back while his teammates followed suit.
Some of the Chicken Inn players had T-shirts emblazoned “We did it for Adamski” in a sentimental tribute to the departed coach, Highlanders and Warriors legend.
Mpofu said: “We thrive on continuity because we retained all the players, who were with us last season, save for a few additions we made this year. I believe that has worked in our favour and it will work for us again in the forthcoming season.”
Richard Jongwe and Brian Juru from Hardbody, and Zephaniah Ngodzo from FC Platinum were some of the new players at Gamecox. They joined last year’s stars Chimenya, Cannan Nkomo and Liberty Chirava who led the team to a third place finish.
The club has also signed former AmaZulu of South Africa striker Mkhokheli Dube.
Chicken Inn captain Felix Chindungwe said: “We owe it to Adam. He always wished for a day like this and it is sad it has happened when he is not with us. The whole team dedicates this cup to him and we hope that his spirit is joining us in celebration wherever he is.”
Caps coach Brenna Msiska said after the loss: “It was a good game. We played well, but lost to a better side. I am sure the guys suffered fatigue after our game against FC Platinum which was competitive and tense.
“I think this is why we were on the backfoot in the opening stages of the game. We, however, concede that we lost to a good side and hope to pick ourselves up from this match and work on the weak points ahead of the new season.”
The two day football fiesta saw Chicken Inn beat Monomotapa 2-1 on Saturday, while Caps United overcame hosts FC Platinum 5-4 on penalties to reach the final.
The games were broadcast on Supersport 9 and were watched by more than 20 000 fans on the two days. The four teams that took part were voted for by fans, who elbowed out traditional giants Dynamos and Highlanders.
NetOne managing director Reward Kangai has already hinted that they will consider renewing their contract with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) which expires this year.
Kangai, PSL chairman Twine Phiri, his chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele and the Platinum hierarchy were some of the dignitaries at Mandava over the last two days.
