Kaindu knows Bosso fan factor

Under Kelvin Kaindu, their revival has been spectacular.

KELVIN Kaindu knows exactly what awaits Hardrock at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow.

The Hardrock coach has not only played for Highlanders but has also occupied the Bosso dugout, giving him first-hand experience of the passion and expectations that come with turning out for the

Bulawayo giants at their famous home ground.

Now, he returns to Barbourfields as an opponent, with his Hardrock side locked in a tight Castle

Lager Premier Soccer League title race with leaders Scottland.

“Every game is important. We know how strong Bosso is with the support from their fans. They are coming from a win and are motivated. We are taking every game at a time,” said Kaindu.

For a coach who has experienced the atmosphere from inside the Highlanders camp, the presence of the Bosso faithful is not something that can be taken lightly.

The supporters have traditionally made Barbourfields a difficult venue for visiting teams, with their numbers, noise and emotional investment in the club adding another dimension to matches.

Kaindu’s players will therefore have to deal not only with a Highlanders side that will be determined to collect maximum points, but also with an environment that he knows can be demanding.

His experience of playing and coaching Highlanders means he understands the expectations that surround the club and the influence its supporters can have on a match.

Yet the Hardrock coach is not allowing the occasion to overshadow his team’s bigger objective.

His side arrives in Bulawayo on a nine-match winning streak across league and cup competitions and sits second on 57 points, just one behind defending champions Scottland whom they beat 1-0 in the Chibuku Super Cup on Wednesday.

“This season we were yet to score against Scottland, which we did. This was our ninth win in a row, both in league and cup games. I think we are in a good position,” said Kaindu.

That run has placed Hardrock firmly in the title race, but Kaindu insists his team must continue treating each match on its own merits.

Highlanders have already demonstrated that they can frustrate the title contenders, winning the first meeting 1-0 at Chahwanda Stadium.

Reason Sibanda came off the bench to score a spectacular acrobatic goal that settled the contest.

Bosso will also take confidence from their latest victory Chibuku Super Cup victory over MWOS to produce another strong showing in front of their supporters.

The hosts will, however, be without Never Rauzhi, who is suspended, while Hardrock will miss Gerald Takwara.

The two are among nine players suspended for Matchday 29, with Ralph Kawondera of Herentals, Junior Makunike of Chicken Inn, Valentine Katsande of MWOS, Allen Mukombedzi of Caps United,

Dynamos pair Collin Mujuru and Shadreck Nyahwa, and Godfrey Muchenje of FC Platinum also suspended.

The fixture will be played tomorrow rather than Highlanders’ traditional Sunday home-match slot because of the national team programme, with players called up for international duty expected to leave on Sunday.

Castle Lager Premier Soccer Matchday 29 fixtures
Tomorow

FC Platinum v ZPC Kariba (Mandava Stadium), Simba Bhora v Chicken Inn (Wadzanayi Stadium), MWOS v CAPS United (Ngoni Stadium), Highlanders v Hardrock (Barbourfields Stadium), TelOne v Ngezi Platinum (Ascot Stadium), FC Hunters v Manica Diamonds (Rufaro Stadium), Scottland v Agama (National Sports Stadium).
Sunday
Bulawayo Chiefs v Triangle (Luveve Stadium)
Dynamos v Herentals (Rufaro Stadium).