Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHEN Kelvin Kaindu took over at Dynamos for the last 12 games of the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season, few gave him a chance of saving the Harare giants who were tottering on the brink of a first-ever relegation.
It was a huge gamble because DeMbare were facing huge problems on and off the field, which left each passing feeling like a step towards Division One football.
Kaindu, who had made his name in local football as both a player and later coach of Highlanders, however, announced his arrival in the capital with a bang.
His first match against MWOS, a 1-0 win on August 2, marked the journey that earned him a place in the Glamour Boys’ archives.
That triumph marked a sensational unbeaten run until the end of the season, turning Kaindu into a hero among the Dynamos family.
His exploits with Dynamos naturally attracted the attention of rival suitors and monied Premiership debutants Hardrock flexed their financial muscle to prize the Zambian away from Dynamos before the start of the 2026 term.
That great escape from relegation forced a transformation at Dynamos, who have since assembled a decent squad that has got off to a promising start to the season and have for long been among the early pacesetters.
Kaindu appears to have retained his midas touch, guiding Hardrock to the top of the log standings and bringing a sense of belief around Kwekwe that their favourite team could emulate the Scottland record of winning the championship on debut.
However, one Sunday Kaindu comes face to face with DeMbare and their fans, who adored him and sang songs in his name at their famous Vietnam stand at Rufaro.
But for all the emotions which could engulf this game, the Zambian gaffer insists he remains focused on his new mission with Hardrock.
“Focusing on the game that we have, for now I focus on Hardrock, and not any other team,” Kaindu said yesterday.
Asked about the feeling of facing his former team, he said: “I can’t focus much on them, but what I’m trying to build (here).
“ . . . playing Dynamos is like playing any other opponent I’m told they have a better side than the one we had last season.”
Hardrock are currently on 27 points after 13 games, tied on points with CAPS United at the top but enjoy a superior goal difference.
Dynamos, on their part have managed 21 points from the same number of games, and are eager to catch up with the chasing pack.
Kaindu has also told his Hardrock charges that they need to approach their campaign on a game-by-game basis.
“For us, it’s an important game like any other game.
“We know we will be playing the giants, with the pedigree that they have.
“We just need to be on top of our game.”
