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HOMECOMING SHOW . . . Rahman Gumbo (right) is unveiled as Chicken Inn head coach in Bulawayo yesterday on his return to his home town after about 15 years of coaching away from the City of Kings

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
RAHMAN Gumbo says the sky is the limit for him after the gaffer ended his 15-year absence from Bulawayo football circles by penning a deal to replace Joey Antipas as Chicken Inn head coach.

The former CAPS United and Warriors gaffer last coached Highlanders in the City of Kings at the turn of the millennium when he turned Bosso into the dominant force on the domestic football scene.

Since then, he has won championships in Malawi and Botswana while he also coached FC Platinum in this country.

Gumbo said he always wanted to succeed and he believes Chicken Inn, who have lost two of their last matches, can rise and become the force they were last season.

Antipas also revealed he feels bad to be walking away from Chicken Inn at this hour as he prepares for new challenges in South Africa with National First Division side AmaZulu.

Antipas is now expected to leave earlier than had been anticipated as he wants to acclimatise in his new working environment.

He revealed that earlier arrangements to leave on July 1 had been revised as he was now quitting Chicken Inn “with immediate effect”.

The former Warriors coach, who missed Chicken Inn’s 0-1 defeat to Bulawayo City at the weekend, was still in Harare yesterday when he poured out his heart on leaving the domestic game while setting his mind on his new challenge in South Africa.

“I feel bad, very bad because Chicken Inn were becoming part of my DNA. These guys worked very hard and I feel for the players. We had developed strong bond and we were like one big family. It’s unfortunate I am quitting with immediate effect. I was supposed to leave on July 1 but that’s no longer the case now. So I will be going back to Bulawayo to wind up some few things before leaving for South Africa.

“But I wish them (Chicken Inn) the best, the new technical team as well. I believe they are a strong side and will be competitive again this year,” said Antipas.

The 57-year old was in Durban at the weekend to meet his new employers and was introduced to the club’s structures in preparation for the beginning of his two-year tenure.

His task is to help the Durban side to reclaim their spot in the Absa Premiership after a two-year absence.

He will leave Chicken Inn with his trusted lieutenant Prince Matore.

Former South Africa forward Delron Buckley, who is currently the caretaker coach, will also be part of his backroom staff. AmaZulu are currently struggling in the first Division and sit on ninth place with two games remaining in the season.

Antipas said he was impressed by the structures when he visited the club at the weekend and is looking forward to the new challenge.

“One thing for sure is that they are a massive club and very professional. They are a former Premiership side and they are really dying to get back there. It’s their ambition and they trust me to try and help get promotion.

“They have some quality players and I believe if we all move in the same direction we will do well. But it’s a new challenge for me, it’s a beginning of a new journey.

“This is my first time to be coaching in the NFD.

“I believe it’s very competitive like our Division One. So far I don’t know a lot of things about the teams but I promise I will do my best.

“I am now looking to go earlier so that I try and settle in a new environment since I won’t be having any commitments now,” said Antipas.