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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS coach Kevin Kaindu does not want his players to be distracted by the continuous talk about their seven-year jinx against Dynamos as he leads his side on an important mission at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow. The Bulawayo giants have not beaten Dynamos since 2006 when they last won the championship and they have not been able to find a way to overcome their arch-rivals in competitive games.
The results always favoured Dynamos no matter how good or bad their form would be at the time.
Highlanders, though, are still determined to stop the tide and there is a sense of belief within their camp, especially at a time when Dynamos are struggling to perform consistently.
Bosso have made a promising start this year and they are currently enjoying good form after going for 11 matches unbeaten.
Kaindu yesterday sounded defiant and said they will not allow past records to stand in their way. The Highlanders coach even deliberately avoided discussion on the seven-year jinx in his team talk this week while focusing on the positives to ensure his players are mentally geared up.
“We haven’t been discussing anything along those lines (about the jinx) with the players. Let other people discuss about that and we just have to concentrate on our game.
“Yes this is always a big match here in Zimbabwe but we are taking it just like any other. We don’t want to raise too much tension whether in training or on match day.
“We need to keep focused on winning, just as we have done with all the other games. It’s unfortunate we have dropped points in some games which I feel we should not have,” said Kaindu.
Kaindu believes form usually counts for little in high-profile games and wants his players to maintain their focus.
The Highlanders camp was in high spirits this week and they were boosted by the recovery of such players as Kuda Mahachi and Rahman Kutsanzira who were nursing injuries.
Kaindu was also happy that some of his players like Milton Ncube and Peter Moyo, who were supposed to leave for their new South Africa clubs during the week, might be available for selection.
“It’s a slight advantage in terms of options. It means we still have a big pool of players to choose our team from. I am also happy that some of our players that were injured have made good progress. Their chances of playing as of now are 50-50,” said Kaindu.
Although unbeaten this season, Highlanders have dropped vital points through stalemates as they have drawn in six of their matches.
Kaindu and his charges are aiming for a win to strengthen their place on the log standings where they currently occupy second place with 21 points.
Dynamos are fifth but only two points separate the teams on the table.
Bosso’s leading scorer Charles Sibanda, Welcome Ndiweni and Ncube have been consistent performers in the side.
Sibanda scored his fifth goal last week from the spot kick in the away 1-1 draw at Triangle. Dynamos were losing 1-0 away at Hwange on the same day, again from a penalty, after leftback Ocean Mushure was adjudged to have handled inside the box.
The Glamour Boys, however, complained against the penalty decision but they have indicated they must move on.
DeMbare collected four points from Highlanders last year and they are looking to build a psychological edge on that.
Mushure, the man who sunk Highlanders from the penalty spot when the two teams last met in a league match last season, believes Dynamos can spring back from last week’s disappointment.
“We don’t need much motivation when we play big teams like Highlanders and CAPS United. In fact it is when we play those small teams when we actually need good motivation.
“This game is self-motivating, playing a big team just like ours, so we are calling on our supporters to come and rally behind us. Chances are bright we can win this match.
“Highlanders could be playing well but we are prepared for this meeting. Even though our game is not up there, we are determined to raise the gear up. We want to win this game and the morale is high.
“Everyone is happy in the camp. We have no pressure at all. We should continue working hard as a team and am sure victory will be ours again,” said Mushure
Dynamos received a huge boost this week with the return of most of their players from injury as Tawanda Muparati and Devon Chafa joined their teammates in training again this week.
It was not immediately clear if the duo will be available for selection as they were still being assessed by the medical personnel. Midfielder Walter Mukanga was also being monitored but Tafadzwa Rusike and Anesu Gondo who played a part at Hwange are set to be available tomorrow.
Ronaldo “Rooney” Chitiyo was outstanding in midfield the last time the champions players at home and Bosso remember him as the man who scored an incredible goal the last time the two teams met at Rufaro.
Online Reporter