D-Day for Chicken Inn and Highlanders
Any of the side that will give away three points in the clash between Chicken Inn and Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow could find themselves playing Divsion One football next season.
That would depend on results from other centres as eight clubs fight the chop on the last day of the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
However, both sides just need a point each to stay afloat and a draw will be the fairest of result in tomorrow’s derby featuring Bulawayo’s big clubs, the only City of Kings and Queens sides featuring in the top league programme this year.
Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas reckons it’s anyone’s game, but it would be good for Bulawayo if both teams survive.
“It’s a real tough last game of the season versus our big brother,” he said.
“It’s a game that any of the teams can win.
“We will battle for any positive result that can help us.
“If you look at the situation, both teams need a point to survive and it will be positive for Bulawayo if both teams survive.”
The veteran gaffer believe it’s all systems go for the GameCocks ahead of the Bosso game, which is likely to attract a big crowd.
“We are pushing for survival.
“The mood is buoyant in camp and boys are looking forward to the derby.
“We have a clean bill of health.”
Highlanders are without striker Never Rauzhi, who is suspended.
It’s an uphill task for Highlanders coach Pieter De Jongh as the Bulawayo giants have always found it tough against Chicken Inn over the years.
Bosso last beat Chicken Inn in 2019 in league match and in the reverse fixture this year, it ended goalless at BF in June, after which coach Kelvin Kaindu was shown the door.
Last year, Chicken Inn got four points from Highlanders from a win and a draw, the same feat they achieved in 2023.
Highlanders are on position 10 with 38 points as they face 11th-placed Chicken Inn, who also have 38 points.
Also on the brink of relegation are giants Dynamos on the 13th spot, coached by Kaindu and also on 38 points as they host FC Platinum at Rufaro tomorrow
Manica Diamonds are also on 38 points on position 12 and host Bikita Minerals, who also seeking survival, perching on position 15 with 37 points.
Triangle occupy the 14th spot with 37 points and travel to stuttering Green Fuel, who are on 36 points, while Yadah, also on 36 points, play their last game away to Simba Bhora.
*Matchday 34 fixtures*
Tomorrow: TelOne v Scottland (Ascot), MWOS v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Ngoni), Herentals v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro)
Sunday: Green Fuel v Triangle (Green Fuel Arena), Chicken Inn v Highlanders (Barbourfields), Manica Diamonds v Bikita Minerals (Sakubva), Simba Bhora v Yadah (Wadzanayi), Kwekwe United v Caps United (Ascot), Dynamos v FC Platinum (Rufaro). *_-Newsday_*
