Chicken Inn head coach Joey “Mafero” Antipas has opted against making big-name signings for the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season, instead placing his faith in a crop of emerging young players.
The new campaign kicks off this Friday, with newly-promoted Scottland taking on Triangle United at Rufaro Stadium. Chicken Inn will be in action the following day when they host league newcomers Bikita Minerals at Luveve.
Scottland has been the most active team in the transfer window, securing top talent from clubs like Dynamos, Highlanders, and CAPS United. Their squad now boasts high-profile names such as reigning Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, former Warriors star Khama Billiat, and experienced players like Godknows Murwira and Frederick Ansa Botchway. Even defending champions Simba Bhora saw several key players, along with coach Tonderai Ndiraya, switch to Scottland.
In response, Simba Bhora has reinforced its squad by bringing in experienced campaigners such as William Manondo, Never Tigere, and 2023 Soccer Star of the Year runner-up Donald Mudadi.
Unlike these teams, Antipas has taken a different approach, focusing on lesser-known talents. On Monday, Chicken Inn unveiled six new recruits, including three players who competed in Division One last season. Tinashe Mashaineri and Edward Musena (formerly of Kwekwe United), Tadiwa Muchenje (Bulawayo Chiefs), Kumbirai Nyamutenha (Chinhoyi Stars), Walter Vuwa (Ngezi Platinum Stars), and Aron Ngwenya (Arenel Movers) have all joined the club. These new signings replace departing players such as Malvin Hwata (now at Simba Bhora), Albert Nyamusaka, Danny “Deco” Phiri, Raphael Kutinyu, and goalkeeper Pride Zendera.
“There are no marquee signings, but we believe these players have the potential to make a difference,” Antipas said.
It has been a decade since Chicken Inn lifted their only league title in 2015 under Antipas’ leadership. That season, they also produced the Soccer Star of the Year, Phiri, and had four players featured on the Soccer Stars of the Year list—Edmore Chirambadare, Elvis Chipezeze, Clemence Matawu, and Phiri himself.
While Chicken Inn maintained a top-four finish between 2016 and 2022, their performances dipped in the last two seasons, with the team placing seventh in both 2023 and 2024. Antipas remains optimistic about improving their standing in the upcoming season, though he acknowledges the tough competition, particularly from well-funded sides like Scottland and TelOne. The latter has also made notable acquisitions, including former Dynamos captain Frank Makarati and midfielder Leeroy Murape. CAPS United, too, has bolstered its squad, with a strengthened midfield trio featuring Tanaka Shandirwa, Juan Mutudza, and England-born Kundai Benyu.
“This season will be highly competitive, but we are looking forward to the challenge,” Antipas remarked. “Our focus is on unity and teamwork.”
Match Day One Fixtures
Friday:
🔹 Scottland vs. Triangle United (Rufaro)
Saturday:
🔹 Herentals College vs. TelOne (Rufaro)
🔹 Simba Bhora vs. FC Platinum (Wadzanai)
🔹 Manica Diamonds vs. Yadah (Sakubva)
🔹 Kwekwe United vs. Ngezi Platinum Stars (Bata)
🔹 GreenFuel vs. CAPS United (GreenFuel Arena)
Sunday:
🔹 Dynamos vs. ZPC Kariba (Rufaro)
🔹 MWOS vs. Highlanders (Baobab)
ALSO READ : CAPS United Gears Up for 2025 Season with Major Unveiling Event
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