CHICKEN INN have started to look for a coach to replace Joey Antipas after he was lured by South African National First Division side AmaZulu who want him to lead them to the Premier League next season.
Antipas, who won the championship with Chicken Inn last term before giving a good fight against South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in the African Champions League when he beat them 1-0 in Bulawayo before being eliminated from the tournament following a 2-0 defeat in the return leg, is expected to start work on July 1.
Already, Warriors coach, Kalisto Pasuwa, headlines list of coaches believed to be targeted by the Gamecocks as they seek to defend their title. Former Dynamos coach, Tonderai Ndiraya, who led Dynamos to a second place finish last season, has also been suggested as a possible target as are former Highlanders coaches Madinda Ndlovu and Rahman Gumbo.
Chicken Inn chairman Lifa Ncube was not giving away much. He said they were going to issue a statement.
Meanwhile, AmaZulu announced on Wednesday they had hired Antipas as Steve Barker’s replacement for next season.
Delron Buckley will remain caretaker coach at Usuthu until the end of the current campaign, but Antipas will touch base with the ex-Bafana Bafana winger before starting his duties on July 1.
“We have concluded the paperwork with Mr Joey Antipas and we’re very pleased for the appointment,” said club general manager, Lunga Sokhela.
“He’s someone that will definitely bring the wit and experience that we need to rise above this season’s underachievement, and also ensure we are a strong force in challenging for promotion next season,” added Sohlea.
Antipas has won two championships with Motor Action (2010) and Chicken Inn last season. He holds a CAF B Coaching License and has spent time at European clubs, Borussia Dortmund (German) and Brondby (Denmark) as part of his studies in 2012 and 2013.
AmaZulu sacked Barker last month in light of the National First Division side’s failure to challenge for promotion.Advertisement