Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
DYNAMOS have had shoddy preparations ahead of their clash against their old time nemesis Highlanders at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday, but Bosso coach Kelvin Kaindu is not by any means, reading much into that predicament.
DeMbare players only returned to training on Wednesday having absconded several sessions demanding outstanding bonuses and signing-on fees.
Though the blue and white army’s preparations for the much anticipated match have been shambolic, that is likely not to be a factor.
This is a game where statistics and facts to the history behind the epic encounter do not matter.
Whoever wants it more in the day wins the game regardless of the venue.
In his pre-match interview yesterday, Kaindu was cautious and predicted that it would be a taxing affair.
He said what has characterised the Dynamos corridors must not in any way influence his players to underestimate their opponents.
“It makes it very difficult when you are playing a team that has their in-house problems. This may also affect us in one way or the other. We don’t know what is happening behind closed doors. If you look at a game of this magnitude it does not matter if they have trained or not, it’s a game everyone wants to come and watch. Whether they are training or not we are not dwelling into that. We just want to focus on the game and get a positive result,” said Kaindu.
The Zambian gaffer is optimistic the fans will come in their numbers to rally behind his black and white troops.
He also emphasised on the need to forget about the 2-1 home victory they posted against the Glamour Boys in the first leg encounter at Barbourfields Stadium.
“Everyone is ready. We don’t want to dwell on the first leg. It’s gone. We are focusing on the away game and see if we can remain focused. We lost our last game in Harare (against Yadah) but we saw our fans coming out in numbers. We appreciate the support and feel we can do better than we did in our last game in Harare,” said Kaindu.
Kaindu admits the first-half of the season has not been perfect for them.
“It was not as what we had anticipated. We could have done better than where we are. There are areas we have improved and also areas that we failed to consolidate in terms of how the team plays. In terms of the position on the log, we are anticipating that as we get into the second round it is going to be more difficult because people are pushing for the championship and some are pushing to survive relegation. It will be a bit tricky. There has been quite an improvement in terms of competition. If you look at the points difference, if you pick up one win it makes a difference and if you pick up three wins in a row you will see there will be an improvement on the log standings,” said the God fearing Zambia mentor.
The last time these two giants clashed at Rufaro was back in November 2019 and the contest ended 1-1.
After that, the old Mbare venue was closed for renovations that never seemed to end, the refurbishment stretched for five years.
Fixtures
Tommorow:
Bikita Minerals vs Herentals College (Sakubva), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Arenel Movers (Baobab), Simba Bhora v Manica Diamonds (Wadzanayi), Bulawayo Chiefs v Green Fuel (Luveve), Yadah FC v Hwange (Heart Stadium).
Sunday:
Chicken Inn v Caps United (Luveve), Chegutu Pirates v FC Platinum (Baobab), TelOne FC v ZPC Kariba (Bata Stadium), Dynamos v Highlanders (Rufaro) — @innocentskizoe.
Online Reporter