Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
KELVIN KAINDU has witnessed increased intensity from his Dynamos players during training this week.
The same kind of passion and commitment has been happening in the CAPS United camp, as the traditional rivals intensified preparations ahead of their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Harare Derby showdown at Rufaro on Sunday.
Neither Dynamos nor CAPS United can afford to slip up with the relegation threat looming large for them.
When a battalion of local journalists arrived at the DeMbare training ground yesterday for the weekly pre-match conference, it was easy to read the mood in the camp.
Almost everyone looked motivated.
It was as if the Glamour Boys were preparing for some cup final.
In fact, in the week leading to previous derby clashes, especially in the era when this fixture forced even neutrals to stop and notice, intensity and tension gripped both the CAPS United and Dynamos camps.
It is the biggest game on the calendar for the two Harare sides.
Former Highlanders coach, however, cast a calm figure ahead of his first Harare derby assignment.
He told the media that he was primarily concerned with Dynamos’ survival more than anything. The Zambian has been credited with turning around the scales since his arrival at the Glamour Boys.
Kaindu found DeMbare sinking with just two wins from 23 outings.
But the script has since changed.
Under Kaundu’s guidance, Dynamos have gone on an eight-match unbeaten streak in all competitions.
Dynamos have won three Chibuku Super Cup games to land into the semi-finals where they will meet Highlanders at the end of next month. Their league fortunes changed drastically after going on a four-match winning streak before drawing with Triangle in their last outing in the competition. And, Kaindu believes his team’s form will be key on Sunday.
“Of course, it gives us a bit of an advantage. We were not doing quite well when the league started.
“It’s only in the last league game that we were able to change the position where we moved from the second position on the log to the third position down there.
“And certainly, with a victory, it will definitely also push us a bit on the log. There are still a number of games to be played,” said Kaindu.
It will also be a Zambian battle of wits in this derby.
CAPS United coach Ian Bakala is also Zambian.
Bakala has, however, experienced mixed fortunes since his arrival and has already presided over one derby as coach.
The former Zambian international midfielder was still new in the cockpit when CAPS United held DeMbare 1-1 in the reverse fixture at the same venue.
Despite their inconsistent form Kaindu insists CAPS United deserve to be respected.
“CAPS United; I think they are strong on their day. They have got a passionate crowd that is always behind them regardless of the score-line.
“So, we anticipate that people will come out in numbers and we just hope that it will be a game that will bring entertainment,” said Kaindu.
Fixtures:
Today: Scottland v Manica Diamonds (Rufaro)
Tomorrow: Bikita Minerals v FC Platinum (Gibbo), Yadah v TelOne (Heart Stadium), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Herentals (Baobab), GreenFuel v Chicken Inn (GreenFuel)
Sunday: Highlanders v ZPC Kariba (Barbourfields), CAPS Utd v Dynamos (Rufaro), Triangle v Simba Bhora (Gibbo), Kwekwe Utd v MWOS (Ascot)
