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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CHICKEN Inn coach Joey Antipas has challenged his players to up the tempo when they take on Caps United in a Castle Lager Premiership tie at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow.

The Gamecocks lead the championship race with one point and a game in hand as the league fixtures reach the halfway mark this weekend.

Antipas yesterday told The Saturday Herald that they expect a tough game against Makepekepe as they are likely to miss five of their regular players through injuries and national team commitments.

Their skipper Danny Phiri was expected to lead the home-based Warriors in the second leg of the CHAN qualifiers against Comoros in Moroni this afternoon, while his teammates Lawrence Mhlanga and the league’s top goal scorer Edmore Sibanda are in the side.

Their forward George Majika and fullback Divine Lunga are nursing injuries and have been ruled out of the clash.

However, Antipas said the Gamecocks are looking to maintain their spot at the top of the table despite the challenges.

“Every time we go out for a match we always look forward to some positive performances, but this time I would want to say we are the underdogs because of our situation,” said Antipas.

“We would have loved to have all the players available, but there is nothing we can do. Some are in the national team and others like Divine and George Majika are injured.

“And one thing that we know for sure is that as log leaders we are in the spotlight and we cannot run away from the fact that all the other teams are out to get us.

“So, we have to stay calm and try to focus. We don’t have to fear anything.”

Hosts Caps United will be looking to give their fans something to cheer their spirits with after dropping points in the last two matches which ended in goalless draws against Flame Lily and Harare City.

Mark Mathe will be leading the side in only his second assignment in charge after taking over from Mark Harrison who has moved to Botswana.

Team manager Shakespeare Chinogwenya said they were looking for good results at home.

Makepekepe are likely to miss full-back Valentine Musarurwa, who twisted his hand during training.

Veteran Leonard Tsipa, however, is expected to be fully fit for selection.

“We respect Chicken Inn as an institution. They are a team that has been playing together for some time now and have shown their determination by sitting on top of the log table.

“But let me hasten to say that we also have a competitive team and are good to take them head on,” said Chinogwenya.

Makepekepe are currently eighth on the log standings with 21 points, eight behind Chicken Inn.

Caps United Malawian forward Gerald Phiri Junior has joined South African Premiership side Bidvest Wits, while his countryman George Nyirenda has returned home to reunite with his old team Bullets.

Elsewhere, new-boys Flame Lily will host Harare City at Lafarge, while Sunday Chidzambwa will oversee his second game in charge of ZPC Kariba when they host Tsholotsho at their Nyamhunga home ground.

A battle of the minnows is on the cards when basement side Dongo Sawmill welcome Whawha at Vengere tomorrow.

Fixtures:

Today: ZPC Kariba v Tsholotsho (Nyamhunga), Flame Lily v Harare City (Lafarge), Chapungu v FC Platinum (Ascot)

Tomorrow: CAPS United v Chicken Inn (NSS), Dongo Sawmill v Whawha (Vengere), Hwange v Dynamos (Colliery), Highlanders v Triangle (Barbourfields), Buffaloes v How Mine (Sakubva).