Ndiraya hails Gamecocks' fighting spirit after dramatic Luveve victory over Manica Diamonds

Chicken Inn FC head coach Tonderai Ndiraya believes Saturday's dramatic 2-1 victory over Manica Diamonds FC could become a turning point in the Gamecocks' Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign after his players finally ended their difficult run with a determined display at Luveve Stadium.

The Gamecocks produced one of their most spirited performances of the season to collect all three points in front of their home supporters, with George Majika opening the scoring before Binwell Rahim Katinji struck a dramatic winner in the 90th minute.

The victory was particularly important for Chicken Inn, who had gone into the match looking to recover from consecutive league defeats. Having also suffered a painful home defeat to Hardrock FC earlier in the season, the pressure was on the Gamecocks to deliver a positive result at Luveve Stadium.

They responded with determination, attacking intent and resilience throughout the afternoon.

The victory lifted Chicken Inn to 11th position on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table with 27 points following Saturday's results, giving the Bulawayo side renewed belief as the league campaign continues.

Speaking after the match, Ndiraya admitted that the victory meant a lot to everyone at the club after the difficult period they had experienced.

"It was a sweet win. We really needed this win. When we played our first game at our fortress, we lost to Hardrock and it was a very painful defeat. Today we really needed to make amends, and I am happy for the boys and the whole system."

The Chicken Inn coach acknowledged that recent results had affected the squad, but praised his players for showing confidence and courage when it mattered most.

"It had been long before we tasted victory, we were coming from a two-match consecutive defeats. It was really hitting hard on us and I didn't expect the players to express themselves but credit to them, they showed good confidence. I am happy that they fought to get the maximum points, we really badly wanted this win."

Chicken Inn started brightly and took the lead inside the opening five minutes when defender George Majika reacted quickest to finish from Ngongo's excellent delivery.

Manica Diamonds responded with an equaliser from a corner kick in the 12th minute, ensuring the teams went into the halftime break level at 1-1 despite Chicken Inn creating several promising opportunities.

The second half developed into a tense contest, with both sides searching for the winning goal.

Chicken Inn continued to push forward through Michael Charamba, Innocent, Sefu, Itai, Tulani and later substitutes Binwell Rahim Katinji and Temptation, while the defence remained disciplined whenever Manica Diamonds threatened.

Their persistence was finally rewarded in dramatic fashion.

With normal time almost over, Charamba broke forward and fired in a powerful effort which the Manica Diamonds goalkeeper failed to hold. Binwell reacted quickest to the loose ball and calmly slotted home the winner in the 90th minute, sparking wild celebrations around Luveve Stadium.

Although Manica Diamonds threw players forward during nine minutes of added time, Chicken Inn defended bravely to protect their lead before the referee blew the final whistle.

For Ndiraya, the victory was not only about the three points but also about restoring belief within the squad after a challenging spell.

The experienced coach believes Saturday's success can provide the platform for improved performances during the remainder of the campaign.

"I am really happy today hopefully this win will bring us more wins going forward."

The coach's comments reflected the confidence growing within the squad after finally returning to winning ways.

Chicken Inn had spoken throughout the week about making Luveve Stadium their fortress once again, and Saturday's performance demonstrated the commitment of the players to that objective.

The return of goalkeeper Taimon Mvula and midfielder Vasili Kawe after suspension also strengthened the squad, while Michael Charamba continued to provide attacking quality following his return from injury.

George Majika's outstanding all-round display earned him the LuckyBets Player of the Match award after he combined defensive excellence with the opening goal that set Chicken Inn on their way.

The Gamecocks now head into their next fixtures with renewed confidence, knowing that the determination and fighting spirit shown against Manica Diamonds can serve as the foundation for a stronger second half of the season.

With 27 points and a move up to 11th place after Matchday 22, Chicken Inn will now hope that Saturday's memorable victory at Luveve Stadium marks the beginning of a consistent run of positive results as they continue their climb up the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League standings.