BIG THREE IN REAL TROUBLE

Robson Sharuko

H-Metro Editor

IN my weekly Saturday blog in our sister newspaper, The Herald, I highlighted that this is a unique season which could see the traditional Big Three of Zimbabwe football − Dynamos, Highlanders and CAPS United − being RELEGATED.

That was just three days ago.

The main subject of the latest blog was coach Kelvin Kaindu’s brave decision to accept the challenge to be the one who could save Dynamos from relegation for the first time since their formation in 1963.

The Zambian coach started the season as coach of Bosso.

“Today, the same KK finds himself at Dynamos − a marriage which, if someone had told me was possible a few months ago, I would have responded by advising him that his next appointment should be with a psychiatrist,” noted my blog.

“KK’s mandate is to try and save DeMbare from sinking into Division One.

“And the irony of it all is that he could succeed in a season where both Bosso and CAPS United − the other members of the Big Three − could also be relegated.

“It’s such a unique season in which the worst-case scenario could see all the members of the Big Three − Dynamos, Highlanders and CAPS United − accompanying Kwekwe United into Division One.”

The Zambian gaffer, one of the best coaches in the country, has steadied the ship at the Glamour Boys and, for the first time this season, they have won back-to-back league matches.

They also scored three goals, for the first time this season, when they thrashed hopeless basement side Kwekwe United 3-0 in their backyard on Sunday.

For a side, which was struggling for goals, to find itself two goals up within the first half-an-hour, it was a huge statement from KK and his men that things are slowly changing for the better at DeMbare.

Crucially, they also kept a clean sheet.

We should not forget that the same Kwekwe United came to Rufaro and held Dynamos to a goalless draw in the first half of the season.

Back then, the Glamour Boys were under the guidance of questionable leaders, morale among the players was at an all-time low and they were not getting the incentives, which they are now receiving, to inspire them to win matches.

The arrival of some Good Samaritans, who are providing the cash and trying to ensure that DeMbare survive relegation, has helped their cause.

But, there is a challenge for DeMbare.

If they keep winning, and the clubs who are above them in the relegation fight also keep winning, as was the case on Sunday where Yadah and Triangle also won, then their mission will be doomed.

However, they are not the only big boys who have been sucked into the relegation fight.

CAPS United are now just one point above relegation trouble after a poor run in recent games despite the promising start which coach Ian Bakala enjoyed.

Highlanders, too, are in the relegation mix as they are just a point above the Green Machine.

BIG THREE FINAL COUNTDOWN

Highlanders vs Bikita (away); Yadah (home); FC Platinum (away); ZPC Kariba (home); Herentals (away); Dynamos (home); Simba Bhora (away); Manica Diamonds (home); Chicken Inn (away)

Dynamos vs GreenFuel (home); Scottland (away); Triangle (home); CAPS United (away); Ngezi Platinum (home); Highlanders (away); Bikita Minerals (home); Yadah (away); FC Platinum (home)

CAPS United VS FC Platinum (away); ZPC Kariba (home); Herentals (away); Dynamos (home); Simba Bhora (away); Manica Diamonds (home); Chicken Inn (away); MWOS (home); Kwekwe United (away)