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Joey Antipas

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CHICKEN inn coach Joey Antipas says his side is wary of a possible backlash when they face Harare giants Dynamos in their backyard this afternoon in the Independence Cup semi-finals

The Gamecocks, who arrived in Harare late yesterday afternoon, will be hoping to make it two in two outings after humiliating the giants 3-0 in the opening fixture of the league season at Barbourfields two weeks ago.

It was a result that Dynamos would quickly want to forget and this week DeMbare coach Paulo Jorge Silva indicated the only way to get that behind them was by beating the visitors.

The Dynamos camp has been in low spirits after the team failed to win their first two matches of the season, leading to suspicions of sabotage and discord in the technical team.

However, Antipas yesterday said he was not reading much into what has been happening in the opponents’ camp and they have come prepared for battle.

“The 3-0 win is now water under the bridge. This is a new game altogether and both teams are looking to win this one.

“We will try our best to beat Dynamos but we are quite aware that they will be out to reverse the result from our previous meeting.

“Obviously they didn’t take that lying down and it means we have a game on our hands,” said Antipas.

The Gamecocks will miss the services of their inspirational skipper Danny Phiri, Tafadzwa Kutinyu and striker Moses Demera, who are all on a week-long trial stint with ABSA Premiership club Golden Arrows.

But besides the trio, the Gamecocks are looking to have a strong squad for the day as they have most of their arsenal, which includes veteran Clement Matawu, Edmore Chirambadare, Michelle Katsvairo and experienced forward Obadiah Tarumbwa, whose brace sunk Dynamos two weeks ago.

Antipas said he is also looking to call on some of his fringe players who have not seen much action to date as he seeks to bolster his squad.

“Besides those who went for trials, everyone else is up for the game. We have a clean bill of health. We are quite happy to be playing in the Independence Trophy.

“In fact we are honoured to be there and all the boys are looking forward to the game.

“We have got a squad which we think is very capable and we hope those players who will play will be able to stand up and grab the opportunity with both hands,” said Antipas.

Hosts Dynamos will be looking to be at their best to deflate the mounting pressure from the multitude of their supporters.

The Harare giants’ major undoing has been their poor strike force, which is yet to find the back of the nets after playing two games.

DeMbare coach Silva told The Herald that he has confidence in his players and will be looking for the breakthrough this afternoon.

He said his side was playing well but has been missing an element of luck in front of goal.

The Portuguese mentor is again likely to thrust Rodreck Mutuma and Farai Mupasiri to lead the attack.

The Glamour Boys will again be without their skipper Augustine Mbara, who has missed the start of the season because of injury.

Silva has limitations in the defence as the other centre backs Elisha Muroiwa and Jimmy Dzingai are also out nursing knocks.

ZIFA have pegged the gate charges at $3 for the rest of the ground, $5 for the upper grand stand and $10 for the VIP.

The association’s communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said all was set for the Independence Cup matches as holders FC Platinum clash with Highlanders in the other semi-final at Barbourfields this afternoon.

The final will take place at the National Sports Stadium on Monday as part of the Independence Day celebrations, while losing semi-finalists clash at White City in Bulawayo on the same day.

This year’s Uhuru winners are set to walk away $20 000 richer while the losing finalists get $15 000.

The organisers have also said the third and fourth placed teams will receive $10 000 and $5 000 respectively.

The final and the third place play-off will be free of charge.

“We appeal for people to come early to the stadium.

“They must also desist from all forms of violence and hooliganism and to respect Fair Play during the course of the matches.

“We urge football followers to celebrate our hard-won independence in peace,” said Gwesela.