CHICKEN Inn coach Tonderai Ndiraya is hoping his side can rediscover their scoring touch and halt a worrying slide when they travel to Wadzanayi Stadium for a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against Agama tomorrow.
The Bulawayo side heads into the encounter on the back of three consecutive defeats, the latest being a loss to ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga Stadium, a result that further deepened their woes in a difficult campaign.
Before losing to ZPC Kariba, the GameCocks had fallen to reigning champions Scottland at home, Barbourfields, and away to FC Platinum at Mandava.
Chicken Inn have already suffered seven defeats this season, a far cry from the consistency that has traditionally characterised the former league champions.
Ndiraya believes a lack of cutting edge in front of goal has been the major factor behind their recent struggles and is banking on an improved attacking display against Agama.
“It has been a while that we have been consistent, we really need to move forward.
“We are hopeful that in our next game we can be a little bit sharper in front of goal,” Ndiraya said after the defeat to ZPC Kariba.
“We have not scored goals in the last three games and that has led into the situation that we find ourselves in, but it is something that we are running around to correct.
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“Hopefully, in our next fixture, we can be clinical.”
The GameCocks’ failure to convert chances has proved costly during their recent run, with the side finding itself slipping down the table as rivals continue to pick up valuable points.
Their opponents Agama will be eager to make home advantage count at Wadzanayi Stadium and compound Chicken Inn’s misery, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
For Ndiraya and his charges, however, the focus will be firmly on ending the goal drought and arresting a run of results that threatens to derail their season.
Another defeat could heap further pressure on the Bulawayo giants, while a positive result would provide the much-needed relief and restore confidence ahead of the second half of the campaign.
Chicken Inn have won five times and drawn three games, dropping to position 11 on the log-table with 18 points from a possible 45.
They are without striker Lynoth Chikuhwa and Tyrese Waunga due to suspension.
Last year, the GameCocks, under veteran gaffer Joey Antipas, survived relegation from the top league on the last day.
Meanwhile, Bulawayo Chiefs, who have also struggled for consistency after returning to the country’s elite league, hit the road to face FC Hunters at the Heart Stadium this afternoon.
The Ninjas sit on position 13 on the standings with 16 points from three wins, seven draws and have suffered five draws.
The John Nyikadzino-coached side played a goalless draw with Manica Diamonds on Monday at BF.
