CHICKEN Inn coach Joey Antipas is itching for maximum points on their away trip to ZPC Kariba to set the tone for a gruelling second half to Castle Lager Premiership season which begins today.

The marathon might take an interesting twist this afternoon if the Gamecocks and Black Rhinos take full advantage of the absence of log leaders FC Platinum, who are away on Champions League business.
In-form Black Rhinos have a tricky date giants Highlanders at Barbourfields.

The match kicks off at 1pm because the stadium will later be used for training by visiting Burundian side Rukinzo who play Triangle in a CAF Confederation Cup match at the venue tomorrow.

Antipas and Hebert Maruwa, the Rhinos coach, are aiming to take control of the marathon ahead of the more demanding games in the final stretch.

“The second half of the season is usually fierce competition because of issues to do with the championship and relegation,” said Antipas.

“It is even going to be worse this year because there are no clear favourites for the championship. So we are taking it game by game.

“We are mindful that we have to stay in the mix at the top so that we can stand a good chance to fight for honours,” said Antipas.

The Gamecocks are in second place on the log standings, equal on 30 points with the third-placed Rhinos.State media