Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga
THE streets of Kwekwe are still buzzing from a six-goal demolition job.
Inside the Hardrock camp, the mood is anything but celebratory while Kelvin Kaindu is a worried man ahead of the derby against TelOne.
“It’s a difficult game and it’s almost a derby,” Kaindu said.
“They have got a new coach. Most of the time players want to play for the coach, it’s not going to be easy.”
Kaindu’s fear isn’t paranoia. It’s experience.
On Matchday nine, Hardrock rolled into Chisumbanje expecting to beat against a Manica Diamonds side which was in chaos.
The Gem Boys had just parted ways with their head coach, players were boycotting training sessions and they only left Mutare hours before kick-off, forcing a 30-minute match delay.
Three points looked banked for the hosts before a ball was kicked.
Ninety minutes later, the gold miners trudged off frustrated after a goalless stalemate..
“Looking at what we did against Hunters, if we can replicate it also in the coming games it can be better for us,” the Zambian tactician said.
“But our only concern is to work on our defence. We have conceded soft goals.”
TelOne have appointed Saul Chaminuka as their head coach.
That means Saturday’s derby could be an audition.
The Triangle win might be the spark they needed to turn pretty football into points.
Junior Makunike was the star in the Hunters massacre.
Handed his first start, the midfield dynamo did not disappoint.
Makunike netted a brace.
His movement was sharp, his finishing clinical, and his work rate relentless.
“Junior took his chance,” Kaindu said.
“That’s what we demand. When the door opens, you walk through it.”
