Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
KELVIN KAINDU walks back into Rufaro for a Premiership date with Dynamos tomorrow, carrying tugging emotional memories, drawing him back to last year.
This was his home just last season, where he took the risk of accepting a high stakes job following his sacking at Highlanders.
Here, he pulled off a miracle, saving Dynamos from relegation on the last day with a gritty 0-0 draw against FC Platinum when they needed a point, and favours elsewhere to stay in top-flight.
However, tomorrow the Zambian gaffer will be in the green and white of Hardrock, coming as a rival against Dynamos at Rufaro for the first time since he left.
Kaindu currently leads the race as he desperately searches for his first championship following countless seasons of near misses.
A win tomorrow takes Hardrock’s points tally to 66, giving them a five points cushion that allows them breathing space with three games to season’s end.
A draw against the Harare giants takes the Kwekwe gold miners to 64 points, opening the door to defending champions Scottland, who currently sit second in the standings with 61.
If Hardrock get a point against Dynamos, it will be an opportunity for the defending champions, Scottland, to catch up, provided they win against Chicken Inn in their postponed league game, which had to be rescheduled.
This situation could also hand Scottland a chance to shoot back to the top of the table should they gain an advantage in goal difference with the two sides currently tied at 34.
Can Kaindu make it past Dynamos?
“Obviously there are lots of subplots in the game, and some emotional attachments that we cannot overlook . . . after all, Rufaro Stadium was a hunting ground for the miracle I saw last year with Dynamos,” said Kaindu.
“This time I come as Hardrock coach; the aim is to collect maximum points for the club that I serve now, so we just have to focus on that.”
Currently, odds favour the hosts who won the first leg 2-1.
The first meeting was on May 24, 2026, at Chahwanda Stadium and had to be abandoned at 1–1 amid crowd trouble and pitch invasion by the fans.
The remaining 14 minutes were later played behind closed doors at Baobab Stadium on July 10, 2026, where Dynamos claimed a 2–1 victory thanks to a late winner by Moses Demera.
But in their last four games, Dynamos have battled for consistency, managing a win against Herentals, two draws with CAPS United and Triangle, while they recorded a defeat at the hands of a visiting Chicken Inn.
On the other hand, Hardrock are high in confidence after collecting maximum points in their latest four games.
Kaindu understands the pressure that comes with occupying the top spot, and wants his side to approach such games with level heads.
Washington Navaya, who leads the golden boot race, will be expected to cement his status, while Warriors striker Prince Dube has also been providing the magic for Hardrock.
However, the Kwekwe side will be without Neliswa Dlamini, who is suspended for accumulating yellow cards.
“The expectations from everyone are very high, which comes with more pressure, but I think it is the right time to ascend to the summit of the log with four games to go,” said Kaindu.
“We have already survived relegation and are in a comfortable position. Maybe we can now consolidate our position by being consistent in other remaining games.
“Our preparations have been going well, with no major concerns, and we urge fans to come in their numbers for this game”
Conversely, Dynamos, who are already out of all cup competitions, are not looking to hand anyone a favour.
Instead, they are fighting to complete the season in the top four and, in the process, the miracle worker is now the man they must stop.
Aristica Cioaba said his side will not roll over despite the absence of Ramela Harerimana, who is out injured, and Godknows Dzakpasu, who is serving a suspension due to a red card.
“We are focusing on our race; we want a top four finish, and this is what we will be fighting for,” Cioaba said.
“The team has been working hard in training; they are motivated because this is a big game and a must-win for us to reach our target.”
Eyes will also be on Frank Agyemang, the Dynamos forward who has been in scoring form this season.
