Don’t get carried away, Antipas warns stars

By Eddie Chikamhi

Coach of the Year Joey Antipas has challenged star midfielder Danny “Deco” Phiri and his three other Chicken Inn players who dominated the Soccer Stars of the Year calendar to keep level heads following a successful 2015 season in which they also won the Castle Lager Premiership title.

Phiri was crowned the best player in the just-ended Premiership season after playing an influential role as captain and leading the Gamecocks to their maiden league title.

Goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, striker Edmore Chirambadare and veteran midfielder Clement Matawu were also among the 11 best players chosen by a panel that included coaches from all Premiership teams, club captains and journalists.

“I am happy for them, they are the ones who worked for this to happen. These boys need to be humble and focus on their playing careers,” said Antipas.

“They should continue in that path knowing that awards do come but that doesn’t mean they have reached their final destiny. Instead they should aim higher.

“If they get carried away and lose their heads because of this I am afraid this could be the end of their careers. The problem with some of the boys is that they cannot handle it, which is probably why we didn’t see anyone coming back in the final list from last year’s Soccer Stars. Yet in the past a player could feature for two or three seasons on the calendar,” said Antipas.

Phiri, who is also the captain of the locally based Warriors side for the Africa Nations Championship tournament, had a good season but nearly missed out on the stars selection because of bookings.

The 26-year-old defensive linkman finished the season with five cards, something which is normal for a player who plays in the first line of the defensive shield. But according to rules, a player with six or more cautions or two red cards is not eligible for selection.

Because of his consistency, Phiri was always a favourite to land the accolade and on Friday he beat the challenge from Dynamos’ Ocean Mushure who was the first runner-up and Highlanders forward Knox Mutizwa.

The other players who made the best 11 are Hillary Bakacheza (Triangle), Tatenda Mukuruva (Dynamos), Stephen Makatuka (CAPS United), Brian Muzondiwa (FC Platinum) and Raphael Manuvire (ZPC Kariba).

Antipas was named Coach of the Year for the second time in his career, having won the accolade in 2010 when he led Motor Action to their only champion- ship.

“I am over the moon and I am glad this time at least there is a prize. It was unfortunate in 2010 we didn’t have a sponsor but to me what is important is the recognition. I am really humbled and I would like to thank everyone who was involved. I didn’t do this alone,” said Antipas.

Chicken Inn are now looking to complete a double after booking their place in the final of the NetOne Easycall Cup courtesy of a 3-0 win over CAPS United on Saturday.

They face Highlanders, who beat old rivals Dynamos 2-0 in the other semi-final at Barbourfields yesterday. The Herald