Zimpapers Logo

Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter

CHICKEN Inn midfielder Calum-English Brown has not exploded in the scene as was expected upon his signing with the 2015 champions at the start of this year, due to a nasty ankle injury he suffered early in the season. 

The Legends Academy product made the headline move after an impressive six-month loan spell with relegated WhaWha last term. 

Most of the teams in the top-flight including Dynamos were after his signature but the man known as “White Lion” decided to pen a two-year deal with the modest Bulawayo side. 

He has since recovered from the injury but has been restricted to cameo roles at the Prince Matore-coached side. 

And he is hoping the three-week break in league action will enable him to fully recuperate as he aims to get more game time.

Brown was arguably the most entertaining player in the league last season with his ball artistry and eye-catching dribbling skills especially blowing away spectators.

He said the ankle problem has affected his early stay at Chicken Inn while welcoming the abrupt break in Premiership action until next month. 

“Well I spent the first six games of the season on the side-lines with an ankle injury which has contributed to the slow start, so once I returned back from injury I had to quickly get back into the team and get used to the formation and playing style.

“I have played some minutes and you know the intensity of our top-flight. As someone coming from injury, you know I was struggling a bit,” he said. 

“But I feel like I’m ready to play now. I understand the tactics and formation and I’m motivated to work hard and start getting more minutes. 

“I’ve had substitute appearances against Simba Bhora, Manica Diamonds and Herentals and it’s been all good as I am gradually getting back to the level I want to be.

“The environment at Chicken Inn is super, especially now that the team is winning games. In any team it can be a bit difficult at first but I feel as though I fit in well with my teammates and the environment there. 

“I hope that this break will afford me ample time to fully recover and I am training during this time off and working on the things I feel I need to improve and want to bring to the team. Of course a player is only happy when he’s playing so that’s what I’m working towards at the moment”. 

Chicken Inn are hoping to capture the league title for the first time in eight years having come closer in the past two seasons finishing as runners-up to FC Platinum in 2019 and last season. 

They are currently third on the log with 21 points to their name, two behind leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars after 12 games. 

They will be hoping that Brown rediscovers the form that made him popular while playing at WhaWha last year. 

The club, just like most of the teams in the top-tier, is struggling with creativity which a fully fit Brown is capable of bringing. 

But the “White Lion” will have to up his game after reports emerged the Bulawayo team are also angling to take Cranborne Bullets captain Tadiwa Chibunyu to address creativity issues.