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Gamecocks skipper Phiri, Kutinyu start training

Sport
CHICKEN INN skipper Danny “Deco” Phiri has started light training as he continues his rehabilitation after an ankle injury.

CHICKEN INN skipper Danny “Deco” Phiri has started light training as he continues his rehabilitation after an ankle injury.

BY FORTUNE MBELE

Phiri injured his right ankle in a 1-1 draw against FC Platinum in a league match at Luveve Stadium on October 28 last year and continued playing in the last four matches, but aggravated the injury when the GameCocks lost 0-1 to city neighbours Highlanders in the final of the EasyCall Cup on December 13.

Both Phiri and Tafadzwa Kutinyu missed out on the trip to Rwanda for the Chan tournament due to injuries.

Chicken Inn take on South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in Bulawayo on the weekend of February 13 in the preliminary round of the Caf Champions League and the two midfielders have not been training since they were dropped from the Warriors camp a few weeks ago, only starting light training last week.

The Gamecocks captain, Phiri, is optimistic he will be fit for the Champions League tie, but said that would only depend on what the doctors say.

DANNY-DECCO-PHIRI

“The plaster was removed on Monday and I started light training on Friday,” he said.

“I have just been going to the gym and have not joined the rest of the guys in full training. The doctors have advised that I continue with light training and my availability for the Sundowns match will depend on what doctors say. I am at the doctors right now.”

His teammate Kutinyu also started light training on Thursday.

“I went to the gym last week. I had a groin injury, but I am better now,” he said.

“I am starting full training with the rest of the team tomorrow (today) and I think come next month, I will be 100% fit.”

Four Chicken Inn players — goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, defender Lawrence Mhlanga and strikers Edmore Chirambadare and Moses Demera — travelled with the Warriors to Rwanda, while attacking midfielder, George Majika was dropped from the squad last week and is expected to join the Gamecocks at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds today.

Coach Joey Antipas is also expected to join the team today after travelling to South Africa on a spying mission on the Brazilians who beat University of Pretoria 2-1 in a league at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday evening.