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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
TODAY is a big day for new Premiership kings Chicken Inn. The Gamecocks are set to wrap up a successful season in style at Lafarge this afternoon and will definitely be partying at the end of the day, no matter what happens in their last match of the season against Flame Lily.

But the sad news is that Joey Antipas’ men will not be able to take part in the CAF Champions League next year.

Chicken Inn chairman Lifa Ncube broke the sad news yesterday.

He said the club’s bosses arrived at the decision after considering the costs and the demands involved in fulfilling the fixtures.

Ncube said it was not easy to come to that verdict considering the club will now miss out on the precious exposure on the continent.

The Gamecocks also felt they were not ready after analysing the precedence by their predecessors such as Motor Action, Gunners and Monomotapa who ended up in huge debts and eventually crumbled.

Their aim now is to retain the title in 2016 and then probably try their hand in the African safari the following year.

“Unfortunately, we have decided as a club not to take part in the African safari. The most important consideration in coming to that decision was the issue of the finances involved.

“Obviously it needs resources and we believe at the moment it was not possible (to participate) because of the costs involved.

“Secondly, we would want to give ourselves a fair chance to retain the title next year. The schedule in the Champions League is a bit taxing and we felt our team might not cope,” said Ncube.

The Gamecocks’ boss said the club was happy with the achievements by their team this year. Chicken Inn were confirmed champions last week following the 3-1 win over Harare City which put them four points clear ahead of the last round matches.

They dethroned Harare giants Dynamos who had ruled the roost the last four years. With 58 points in the bag, it meant they had wrapped up the contest ahead of second placed FC Platinum who have 54 points as they travel to relegated Dongo Sawmill this afternoon.

“I can tell you we are on cloud nine with what Joey and his boys did this year. This deserves to be acknowledged.

“It took us five years but at the end of the day you wouldn’t want to dwell much on the time aspect.

“It hasn’t been an easy journey but they managed to overcome. On big factor is that we have had a consistent side in the last five years that we have been in the league.

“Some of the players have been with us I think from the first game in the league. This achievement is a product of hard work and unity of purpose. Everyone did his part and if you look at our coach, Joey Antipas, he is among the most experienced coaches in the league and that was a huge factor as well.

“Our position is that, we would want to finish the season on a high. If you look at it, we have never won the last game of the season since we started playing in the Premiership.

“This is the chance to turn things around and I think it serves purpose if we win this match, on the same day that we are going to get our medals for being the 2015 champions. So we are not looking at the match that way (as a dead rubber).”

Chicken Inn are expected to bus supporters from Bulawayo, where they are based, to witness the historic event at Lafarge.

PSL Competitions Manager Elisha Mandireva yesterday said there will be a procession from Town House where the trophy will be on display before making way to the match venue at Lafarge.

“It’s a big day for Chicken Inn. There is a lots of entertainment that has been lined up for the day,” said Mandireva.

“We are going to start with a procession from Town House with the trophy in display at around 11:00am. The convoy will then proceed via Samora Machel Avenue to Mabvuku and Tafara where the match will be played.”

Their opponents Flame Lily will be playing just to fulfill the fixture as they have already been relegated.

They joined fellow newboys WhaWha and Dongo Sawmill on the way back to the first division after a one year flirtation with the big boys.

The fourth team to be relegated will be decided this afternoon and it’s a battle between newboys Tsholotsho and army side Buffaloes.

Tsholotsho will host Harare City at White City while Buffaloes welcome dethroned Harare giants Dynamos at Sakubva.

Buffaloes occupy the last relegation slot on 29 points and they need nothing short of a win to stay afloat. However their fate is no longer in their hands and they will be praying that Tsholotsho who have 30 points falter against Harare City.

The PSL office yesterday announced that all matches will be played today because of the Soccer Star of the Year selection that is due to take place on Monday.

“We want all people who are taking part to be able to travel well and be on time Monday morning,” said Mandireva.

Fixtures

Today: Chapungu vs How Mine (Ascot), Tsholotsho v Harare City (White City), CAPS United v Whawha (National Sports Stadium), Flame Lily v Chicken Inn (Lafarge), Dongo Sawmill v FC Platinum (Vengere), Buffaloes v Dynamos (Sakubva), Hwange v Triangle United (Colliery), Highlanders v ZPC Kariba (Barbourfields)