Kaindu leaves for England… tells players to believe

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
KELVIN Kaindu demanded “unity of purpose” yesterday ahead of Highlanders’ trip to Harare City on Sunday – but the Premier League leaders must battle on without him after he left for the United Kingdom. The Zambian coach led Highlanders to a dramatic last gasp 1-0 victory over Triangle on Wednesday, and they can wrap up the title on Sunday if they beat City and Dynamos fail to match them against Chicken Inn in Bulawayo.

Kaindu, who is returning to the UK to continue with his Uefa B licence coaching course, has left his assistant Bekithemba Ndlovu in charge for the City match, but he must be back for the season-ending home match against Shabanie on 24 November.

Kaindu, donning a Highlanders tracksuit, told Chronicle from the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport that he had absolute confidence in Ndlovu, who drew 1-1 away to relegated Motor Action two weeks ago after being left in charge.

“I’ve total confidence in the guys, although I’m aware that on Sunday, we will face probably our toughest battle this season. All that is needed is unity of purpose, pulling together in the same direction,” said Kaindu.

Highlanders chairman Peter Dube said Ndlovu, a former Highlanders defender, had a perfect chance to prove that he was learning under Kaindu. “Beke will be in charge and perhaps this is another opportunity for him to prove that he’s man enough,” Dube said.

Highlanders players know they must overcome a hostile atmosphere at Rufaro where Dynamos fans are likely to converge to rally behind City – just as Highlanders fans will be at Barbourfields Stadium willing on Chicken Inn.

Following a lacklustre display on Wednesday in which they had to be rescued by a late, late headed goal by Ozias Zibande, Kaindu was not convinced his players appreciated how close they were to the big prize.

“My players lack character and at this crucial moment I can’t really say for certain that the title is ours. They must show how much they want it by putting in a shift that demonstrates their hunger,” the gaffer said in his post-match interview.

Highlanders’ opponents on Sunday, City, are entertaining their own title hopes as they lie third in the league, just a point behind Kaindu’s men – with the same number of points (50) as second-placed Dynamos.

Lloyd Mutasa’s FC Platinum are still in with a shout on 48 points, three adrift of the leaders. They must beat How Mine this weekend and get the better of Buffaloes in their final game to stand a chance of upstaging the leaders.

Remaining Fixtures for Top 4
Week 29
Chicken Inn vs Dynamos; Harare City vs Highlanders; FC Platinum vs How Mine
Week 30
Highlanders vs Shabanie Mine; Dynamos vs Black Mambas; Caps United vs Harare City; FC Platinum vs Buffaloes.