Zimbabwean league giants Chicken Inn are not taking any light chances as they prepare to clash with South African league champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the preliminary of the CAF Champions League in Bulawayo’s Barbourfields stadium today
Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has made his position clear that they are going for victory and is counting on Chicken Inn’s rivals Highlanders to come up in large numbers to counter the hosts supporters. He said the mutual and good relationship they have had with Highlanders will play a pivotal role in today’s clash.
Addressing the media upon arrival at the Joshua Nkomo International Airport, the Brazilians tactician said he felt easy at Bulawayo due to the good relationship with Highlanders.
‘We always land here in Bulawayo whenever we come to Zimbabwe and we hope
people from ezimnyama ngenkani will support us. You know Highlanders are our good
friends, we gave them Kuda Mahachi on-loan and we’re home to one of their greatest
sons (Peter Ndlovu). I hope all Highlanders supporters will back us,” said Mosimane as
quoted by the Chronicle.
Mosimane appears to be much aware of their opponents in full depth describing the role played by each player enroute to their maiden league title.
“We’ve lots of respect for Chicken Inn, they’re a strong squad, we don’t have any
surprises for them and they know a lot about us because we’re always on television.
Even their coach (Joey Antipas) came to South Africa to do his work. The fact that they
managed to stop Dynamos who had won the championship for four years shows that
they’re a good side. I know they’re good ball passers, they’ve a good goalkeeper
Chipezeze (Elvis), their central defender Lawrence Mhlanga is also good together with
his partner Ben Nyahunzwi. Devine Lunga who plays left back is good and they’ve a
brilliant midfielder Tafadzwa Kutinyu. I don’t know if Deco (Danny Phiri) is available but I
know Matawu (Clemence) hasn’t been playing because of injury. Not forgetting dribbling
winger George Majika,” he said.
The aggregate winner of the match will meet Congolese side AL Leopards in the first round.
