BARBOURFIELDS SET FOR TEST OF CHARACTER AS CHICKEN INN HOST CONFIDENT SIMBA BHORA
Hope
Chicken Inn FC return to Barbourfields Stadium on Wednesday 13 May 2026 at 15:00, where they host a demanding Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against an in-form Simba Bhora FC side, with head coach Tonderayi Ndiraya admitting his team are in for a serious test against one of the league’s most confident outfits.
The Gamecocks are 9th on 15 points and continue to search for consistency. Their last five matches show a mixed run of results, with wins over Dynamos and TelOne but defeats against MWOS, Bulawayo Chiefs and Highlanders, underlining their unpredictable season so far.
Simba Bhora arrive in strong form, sitting 4th on 19 points and winning three of their last four matches, including impressive victories over FC Platinum and Scottland. Their rise has been built on consistency, discipline and attacking efficiency, making them one of the most dangerous sides in the league at the moment.
Despite the difference in form, history suggests a tight contest. In the last six meetings between the two sides, both teams have three wins each with no draws, underlining how evenly matched they are. Five of those six games were decided by a single goal, showing how fine the margins have been in this fixture.
Attention will also fall on key attacking threats. For Simba Bhora, forward Harrison Masinha has been in excellent form, playing a key role in their recent winning run and earning Player of the Month recognition for April. His movement and finishing ability will be a major concern for the Chicken Inn defence.
For the Gamecocks, Innocent Massiwa remains their most consistent attacking outlet. His creativity, energy and ability to influence games will be crucial if Chicken Inn are to break down a confident Simba Bhora side.
Speaking ahead of the match,Chicken inn head coach Tonderayi Ndiraya admitted the challenge awaiting his side but insisted they must rise to the occasion.
“It’s another tough one. Simba Bhora are really bubbling with confidence at the moment, but we have no option but to prepare well and go back ready,” he said.
He added that despite travel demands, focus and preparation remain key.
“Yes, we will suffer a bit of travelling, but this is football. We just have to go back home prepared and focused,” he said.
Ndiraya also stressed that his side must match their best performance levels if they are to compete.
“The team that played against Dynamos is the team I want to see on the pitch. That is the level we must bring again,” he said.
He further warned that anything below that standard could prove costly against a strong opponent.
“They are past champions, they have good quality, and we must improve to compete. Otherwise, it will be a disappointing result.”
With Chicken Inn enjoying home advantage at Barbourfields and Simba Bhora arriving in strong form, this encounter is set for another tightly contested PSL battle where discipline, fine margins and moments of quality could decide the outcome.
