Sports Reporter
Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas believes their participation at a four-team tournament in Malawi at the end of this month will help strengthen the squad before the local Premiership resumes.
Chicken Inn are part of the 2020 Nyasa Big Bullets International Bonanza running from February 28 to March 1.
The Gamecocks and Mozambican giants UD Songo are the visiting teams to join hosts, Nyasa Big Bullets and BE Forward Wanderers from the same country.
Bullets, coached by Kalisto Pasuwa, are the Super League defending champions while Wanderers are last season’s runners-up.
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Songo, who were knocked out by FC Platinum in the first round of the CAAF Champions League, are the Mocambola League 2019 runners-up.
And for Antipas, the competition from these teams will help him improve his boys before the season starts.
Joey Antipas
“We are going to participate at a tournament at the end of the month and this tournament is part of our preparations as we are getting ready for the upcoming season.
“It’s also a chance to observe my players so that I will know their strengths and weaknesses,” he said.
Antipas, who recently extended his stay with Chicken Inn until 2023, also said they are leaving no stone unturned.
“We are actually preparing well for the upcoming season and I have been working with the players’ technical and tactical approach, mental strength and endurance,” said Antipas.
The championship winning coach said his new boys are adapting to his philosophy though he said focus now shifts to the tournament.
They have brought in players like Pardington Nyamakura, Ian Nekati, Brian Giant, Clive Dzingai and Nielson Ketala.
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“The players are adjusting especially our new players but at the moment we are focusing on the tournament we are going to participate,” added Antipas.
On his appointment as Warriors assistant coach, Antipas said his focus is on Chicken Inn only.
“I cannot really comment about the Warriors job so for now the board will answer those questions.
“I’m focusing on Chicken Inn only at the moment and it’s our hope that this season we will be able to fight for the championship,” said Antipas.
– HMETRO
