CHICKEN Inn are chasing after the signature of Swaziland-based highly-rated goalkeeper as they beef up their squad in preparation for the 2014 season expected to kick off later this month.
Sukoluhle Mthethwa Sports Reporter
Zendera who is in the country seeking a move back home, played three seasons for Moneni Pirates before joining Manzini Sundowns in 2012.
The GameCox are also reported to be after the services of former Sparrows goalkeeper Bhekimpilo Ncube.
Chicken Inn head coach Joey Antipas, who won the 2010 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League championship and the BancABC Sup8r Cup in 2011, could neither confirm nor deny chasing the two goalkeepers.
“I cannot comment on that just yet,” he said.
They have also signed former Black Mambas captain Ben Nyahunzvi while ex-Highlanders midfielder Bhekimpilo “Barca” Ncube is on the verge of joining the Bulawayo side.
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Antipas confirmed Nyahunzvi’s move.
“Nyahunzvi has already sealed a deal with us. He is a very good central defender he will do us fine. As for Bhekimpilo, he has been training with us for three weeks. He has not signed yet, but should sign anytime soon,” he said.
Antipas could not reveal the length of Nyahunzvi’s contract before referring questions to club secretary Tavengwa Hara.
“We cannot say how long the Ben Nyahunzvi deal is. The deal is between us and the player. But generally at Chicken Inn we do not sign players for less than two years,” Hara said.
The GameCox have already roped in Graham Ncube, Ramson Zhuwawo, Ishmael Lawe, Morgen Mungombe and Passmore Benard while promoting Divine Lunga a defender and Michael Bhebhe, a midfielder from their junior ranks.
They are monitoring George Majika and Toto Banda who have been training with the fast-foods outlet team.
Antipas is also excited Lawrence Mhlanga who was on loan at Monomotapa last season, is back in Bulawayo.
“He is a young central defender and will be a force to reckon with. Overally, we have a squad which is good enough. All we need to do is to get the players to work as a unit,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hwange FC beat Chicken Inn 1-0 in a pre-season friendly match played at Luveve Stadium on Friday. Veteran striker Gilbert Zulu scored the goal in the game that featured Rodwell Chinyengetere who has since recovered from a serious injury he sustained in 2012 in a match against Monomotapa in Harare.
Chinyengetere, who had cut his teeth into the Warriors squad, suffered a career-threatening injury in September 2012 when then Monomotapa goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi lunged at him.
Former soccer star of the year finalist Nkosana Siwela who was injured in the last game of the season last year, also featured in the match alongside new acquisition Aleck Marime.
Hwange coach Nation Dube said he was confident his team would deliver as they retained the 2013 players and believes they will continue from where they left off last year.
The coal miners lost Petros Mhari, Winston Mhango, Aaron Katebe and Allan Tavariswa as well as Francisco Zekumbawira last season.
