Online Reporter
Onward Gangata-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THERE is no doubt that Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu is one of the good coaches on the local scene, but for all the good work the Zambian has done in Zimbabwean football, there is little to show for it in terms of silverware.
Last season, he was responsible for saving Harare giants Dynamos from relegation.
He guided them to safety with a commanding performance in the second half of the campaign.
And to put the cherry on top, Kaindu delivered the Chibuku Super Cup as DeMbare made it three in a row.
That remains one of his biggest achievements as a coach on the local front.
However, those who have closely followed the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League will tell you Kaindu deserves to have won at least one league title.
In his first stint at Highlanders, the Zambian lost out on the title in two consecutive seasons.
On both occasions, he missed out to Dynamos, painfully on goal difference.
Firstly, in 2012, both teams finished on 69 points, and in 2013, after finishing with 54 points.
Interestingly, in 2013, Dynamos, Highlanders, and Harare City all had the same number of points at the end of the season.
There is a school of thought that argues the Zambian does not have the end game and killer instinct.
This season, Kaindu has consistently played down talk of his side being in the title race.
Patiently, the Kwekwe side have stalked log leaders Scottland.
On Saturday, the Kasongo Boys reduced Scottland’s lead at the top to just two points.
And for the first time this season, Kaindu openly admitted he has his eyes on the big prize.
“We are not focusing on how Scottland are playing, we are focusing on our play, but if they are dropping points it gives us a bit of an advantage,” admitted Kaindu.
“They had opened up a huge gap at the top, but it puts a bit of pressure on them. They, however, still have a game in hand.
“We do not want to compare ourselves to Scottland, we are a team that is coming from Division One, and our objective was to stay in the league. We are quite certain to do so.”
That the Zambian kept name-checking the Mabvuku outfit throughout his press conference tells a big story.
There are eight more matches to play, and with Scottland set to participate in the CAF Champions League, it gives an extra load on the Harare side.
Kaindu knows that any further slip-up by Scottland and his charges are ready to pounce.
And it feels like the Zambian is sensing this could potentially be the year he breaks his league title jinx.
