Kaindu lifts dembare to safe zone

Veronica Gwaze

Zimpapers Sports Hub

KELVIN KAINDU has always been a man who leans on faith, and maybe that’s exactly what Dynamos needed to stay alive this season.

A first half penalty from captain Emmanuel Jalai was enough to drag the Harare giants out of the relegation zone yesterday, as they edged Bikita Minerals 1–0 at Rufaro Stadium.

The victory, their first significant leap toward safety in weeks, moved Dynamos to 13th place on 37 points, level with Manica Diamonds, Chicken Inn, and Highlanders, with goal difference now separating the four sides in a tense final stretch of the Premier Soccer League season.

Kaindu’s arrival at Dynamos could not have come at a tougher time, yet he has transformed the mood in the blue half of the capital. Yesterday’s win extended his unbeaten run to 12 matches in all competitions, a remarkable turnaround for a team that had been flirting with disaster.

“Looking at the time when I came in, I know many questioned my decision,” Kaindu said after the match. “But being a man of firm faith, I had belief where everyone else had lost it.”

The match began cautiously, both teams wary of what was at stake. Bikita nearly stunned the home crowd in the seventh minute when Busi Mathe’s low shot beat goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa but missed by inches.

Dynamos slowly settled into rhythm, building patiently from the back. In the 11th minute, Leeroy Mavhunga’s pass found Abel Gwatidzo in space, but the winger sliced his effort wide. Moments later, his curling free kick was saved by Bikita’s Biggie Temera.

Despite dominating possession, Dynamos looked hesitant in front of goal, missing several chances in the opening 20 minutes.

Then, in the 24th minute, Jalai sparked relief for the home fans. He converted from the spot after Tellmore Pio was brought down inside the box, his strike firm, precise, and celebrated like a lifeline.

After the break, Bikita introduced fresh legs, hoping to force an equaliser. But Dynamos kept their shape, defending compactly while trying to kill off the game on the counter.

Kasondo, Ngwenya, and Mavhunga all had chances to double the lead but lacked composure. Bikita threw numbers forward in the dying stages, but Dynamos held on, barely, to collect what might prove to be their most important win of the campaign.

“Today was crucial for us,” Kaindu said. “Throughout the week, we had to balance tactics and the mental aspect because we knew Bikita would come hard. From a coach’s perspective, this was our most difficult game of the season, and the slender lead says a lot.

“We created many chances but failed to convert, maybe because of pressure. But I’m proud of how the team stayed united and fought for the result.”

Bikita coach Wilson Mutekede admitted Dynamos had the edge in creating chances, though he felt his side played better overall.

“In terms of chances, Dynamos were better,” he said. “But in terms of flow of play, we had the upper hand. The result wasn’t good for us, we gave up too easily, and honestly, Dynamos didn’t deserve the maximum points today.”

He also hinted at dissatisfaction with officiating, saying: “The result speaks to the challenges we have in trying to balance these things. I hope you get the irony.”

With two games to go, Bikita now sit 14th on 36 points, still in danger but not yet doomed.