CHICKEN Inn are chasing after the signature of Swaziland-based highly rated goalkeeper Pride Zendera as they beef up their squad in preparation for the 2014 season expected to kick-off later this month.
By Sukoluhle Mthethwa
Zendera, who is in the country as he seeks his move back home, played three seasons for Moneni Pirates before joining Manzini Sundowns in 2012.
The Gamecocks are also reported to be after the services of former Sparrows goalkeeper Bhekimpilo Ncube.
Chicken Inn head coach Joey Antipas, who won the 2010 Premier Soccer League (PSL) championship and the BancABC Sup8r Cup in 2011 with Motor Action, could neither confirm nor deny that they are chasing the two goalkeepers.
“I cannot comment on that just yet,” he said.
The club has also signed former Black Mambas captain Ben Nyahunzvi while ex-Highlanders midfielder Bhekimpilo “Barca” Ncube is on the verge of completing a move to the Bulawayo side.
Antipas confirmed Nyahunzvi’s move.
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“Nyahunzvi has already sealed a deal with us. He is a very good central defender, he will do fine. As for Bhekimpilo, he has been training with us for three weeks. He has not signed yet but should sign anytime soon,” he said.
Antipas could not reveal the length of Nyahunzvi’s contract before referring questions to club secretary Tavengwa Hara who had this to say: “We cannot say how long the Ben Nyahunzvi deal is. The deal is between us and the player. But generally at Chicken Inn, we do not sign players for less than two years.”
The Gamecocks have already roped in Graham Ncube, Ramson Zhuwawo, Ishmael Lawe, Morgen Mungombe and Passmore Bernard while promoting Divine Lunga, a defender and Michael Bhebhe, a midfielder from their junior ranks.
They are monitoring George Majika and Toto Banda who have been training with the fast food outlets team.
Antipas is also excited that Lawrence Mhlanga, who was on loan at Monomotapa last season, is back in Bulawayo.
“Lawrence has been with us since the beginning of the season. He is a young central defender and will be a force to reckon with. Overally we have a good squad. All we need to do is to get the players to work as a unit,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hwange FC beat Chicken Inn 1-0 in a pre-season friendly match played at Luveve Stadium on Friday.
Veteran striker Gilbert Zulu scored the solitary goal in a match that featured Rodwell Chinyengetere who has since recovered from a serious injury he sustained in 2012 when Chipangano played Monomotapa in Harare.
Chinyengetere, who had cemented his place in the Warriors squad, suffered a career-threatening injury in September 2012 when then Monomotapa goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi lunged at him.
Former Soccer Star of the Year finalist Nkosana Siwela, who was injured in the last game of the season last year, also featured in the match alongside new acquisition Aleck Marime.
Hwange coach Nation Dube said he was confident that his team would deliver as they retained the 2013 players and believes they will continue from where they left last year.
The coal miners lost Petros Mhari, Winston Mhango, Aaron Katebe and Allan Tavariswa as well as Francisco Zekumbawira last season.
