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Augustine Hwata Senior Sports Reporter
KELVIN Kaindu is no stranger to the Battles of Zimbabwe, having witnessed the explosive clashes during his time as a player with Highlanders in the 1997 and 1998 seasons when his rival in tomorrow’s clash at Barbourfields, Callisto Pasuwa, was a utility player at Dynamos.
Now, more than a decade after they pitted their skills as players on the field, the two battle their wits as coaches in the blockbuster clash that could have a huge bearing on the Castle Lager Premiership championship this season.
Last year, the two teams met at the same stage of the race, with Dynamos leading the pack while Bosso were second.
Simba Sithole gave Dynamos the lead at Rufaro before Bruce Kangwa equalised late as DeMbare consolidated their lead at the top until the end of the season.
A soft-spoken God-fearing man, whose slogan is, “It shall be well”, Kaindu can be shrewd as a coach and in April this year he came within seconds of ending Bosso’s seven-year winless run against Dynamos.
Bosso last beat Dynamos in 2006, but came close on April 21, when Njabulo Ncube gave them the lead only to see Patson Jaure scoring deep in time added on at Rufaro.
While the Dynamos camp was happy to salvage the draw, Bosso were angry at referee Norman Matemera, arguing the he added more than ‘the stipulated optional time.”
Kaindu has since overcome the setback and is now focused on this game tomorrow, hoping Bosso will fully utilise the home advantage as they will be backed by their vociferous fans.
“This game has come at a time when both teams are playing well and sitting at the top of the table in positions one and two.
“It’s important in our aspirations for the championship although it’s not a decider and there is so much rivalry between the two sides,” said Kaindu.
The Zambian coach is happy that gritty midfielder Mthulisi Maphosa and striker Gabriel Nyoni have recovered in time to take their places in the team.
“Everyone is available for selection and everything is well in our camp. Mthulisi Maphosa, Nyoni and Innocent Mapuranga, who were injured, have recovered and are available,” said Kaindu.
Rightback Bruce Tshuma is suspended for this game after accumulating three yellow cards and Lawson Nkomo could be called to fill the gap.
Bosso are high on confidence after they became the first team to score and in the process beat Black Rhinos since Chipembere adopted Rimuka as their ground in Week 14.
Ncube struck in the first half while Masimba Mambare sunk a brace in the second half to deflate the army side as Dynamos also thumped Tripple B 4-0 at Rufaro on the same day.
Kaindu has never lost a league match against Dynamos as a coach and neither has Pasuwa lost to Bosso.
While Highlanders are pleased with their preparations, Kaindu is aware that a game against the Glamour Boys does not necessary go according to the form book.
“I hope it will be a good game and the better team on the day should win,” he said.
Even the principal sponsors of the two clubs BancABC are anxious ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Desmund Ali, managing director of ABC Easy Loans, expressing satisfaction that their investment was bearing fruits.
“BancABC sponsors the two teams and these are the two biggest clubs in Zimbabwe. We are happy to see that they are all fighting for the championship and it shows that our investment is being helpful.
“As sponsors we wish all the best of luck to the two clubs and hope that they use this game as a barometer on which our league will be measured,” said Ali.
For the first time since local football matches started being screened live on SuperSport late last year, the Battle of Zimbabwe will be broadcast live in the splendour of High Definition.
The league’s chiefs this week hailed this as a sign that SuperSport were happy with the product that is coming from the Zimbabwe football fields.
The challenge is now on the two teams to turn on the style, in what is likely to be a bruising contest, and raise the bar for the sake of the domestic Premiership with the continent watching from the comfort of its homes.
It’s also the biggest football match that the City of Kings has hosted in the past seven years and is expected to bring the entire city to a standstill.
One feels that Bosso has the advantage but, it’s just a slight one and on the day, anything can happen.
Fixtures:
Today
FC Platinum v Shabanie Mine (Mandava, SS9) Motor Action v Black Rhinos (Motor Action Stadium), CAPS United v How Mine (NSS), Harare City v Buffaloes (Rufaro), Tripple B v Triangle (Dulibadzimu)
Tomorrow
Hwange v Black Mambas (Colliery), Highlanders v Dynamos (Barbourfields, SS9), Monomotapa v Chicken Inn (Gwanzura)
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