adminIn an interview from his Lusaka home yesterday, Kaindu confirmed that he was staying at Highlanders. He said there had never been a stage where his contract, signed during Themba Ndlela’s reign as chairman, looked threatened.
“I am coming to Bulawayo on Sunday. Everything is okay and we will begin preparations for the season on Monday next week. I hope the boys will be ready after a long break. I am eager to meet the team and continue our work,” said Kaindu, who enjoyed a good debut season as head coach at Bosso.
This was his first year as a head coach having been co-assistant coach for three years in Zambia with Zanaco legend , Numba Mumamba. He did his apprenticeship under former Kaizer Chiefs striker Wedson Nyirenda.
Kaindu said he was enjoying his break with his three daughters and wife Mildred and was also spending some time on the internet researching.
Kaindu, a former Highlanders winger, transformed the fortunes of a club that looked destined for relegation after finishing seventh in 2011, making it one of the most exciting teams in 2012. Bosso finished tied on 69 points with eventual winners Dynamos, losing the title on an inferior goal difference.
It was the first time in a long time that a team went for 23 consecutive league games in a calendar year without losing. Research has proved Saints’ claims of such a run false.
Kaindu refused to dignify media reports about his future being uncertain at the club as he was perceived to be close to losing candidates in last year’s club elections.
“I am a Highlanders Football Club employee and will not comment about that. In any case, I have not even read where those sentiments have been raised. What I can promise fans and the club is that on Monday I will be at work with the boys,” said Kaindu.
Highlanders chairman Peter Dube last night said it was never in doubt that Kaindu would return this season. He described the Zambian gaffer as a very reliable, honest and professional coach who was focused and eager to see Highlanders succeed.
“Never at any stage have we feared that he will not return, he is very professional, focused, honest and wants the best for football and Highlanders. It is him who set the 7 January first meeting with the players and we knew he would come.
“He has been such a delight to work with, even when you leave him behind you don’t worry about checking your back. Things will be done to the letter with attention paid to professionalism, when there are issues he is open and to the point, we would like to see him lift the club high,” said Dube.
Meanwhile, all roads lead to Nyamandlovu this afternoon for a New Year’s Day soccer competition clash between print and electronic media.
The journalists will trade their notebooks and pens for soccer boots at the Minister of Mines and Mining Development Dr Obert Mpofu’s homestead.
The match has attracted lots of attention with soccer legends and former football players from Highlanders, Zimbabwe Saints and Hwange set to be among the spectators.
The print media team, which will be made up of players from Chronicle, Sunday News, B-Metro and Newsday, will face their electronic counterparts from ZBC, Starfm and ZiFm.
Online Reporter