Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS head coach Kelvin Kaindu will march into familiar territory this Sunday, leading his black-and-white army into battle at Gibbo Stadium against Triangle United, a club he once called home.
The highly anticipated Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash will be Triangle’s first home game of the season after being forced to play their opening fixtures away from their fortress.
Kaindu, who coached Triangle United between 2015 and 2016, acknowledges the significance of returning to a ground he knows well but remains focused on ensuring Highlanders come away with maximum points.
“I have been there before; I have worked in that environment before. I am not sure about the renovations that have been made, but it’s a good field, a good environment, and I just hope that we go and play the type of football we want to play,” Kaindu said in his pre-match press conference.
Highlanders are reeling from frustrating results in recent outings, where defensive lapses in the dying minutes have cost them dearly.
The Bulawayo giants surrendered a 2-0 lead to Greenfuel in matchday three, settling for a 2-2 draw, and last weekend, they were left heartbroken once again, conceding with the last kick of the game to draw 1-1 against newcomers Scottland.
Kaindu has emphasised the need for mental resilience, particularly in closing out games.
“We need to work on our mental fitness, especially when we come out with a draw and our opponents celebrate like they’ve won. “When you drop points in the last minute, it feels like a loss. These are areas we need to improve on, and we must keep our players believing,” Kaindu stated.
Despite the setbacks, the Bosso mentor sees signs of progress, particularly in the attacking department.
“Apart from the points we have dropped, we look more consistent going forward. Our goal-scoring ratio has improved, but we need to manage our leads better. With time and a bit of luck, we should be able to correct that,” he added.
While Highlanders sit mid-table with five points from a win, two draws, and a defeat, Triangle find themselves in deep trouble.
The Sugar Boys have endured a torrid start to the campaign, losing all four of their opening matches.
A return to Gibbo Stadium offers them a chance to reset, and they will be desperate to claim their first points of the season against a Highlanders side that has shown vulnerability in closing out games.
Kaindu is well aware of the challenge that awaits.
“We know what Triangle are capable of when playing at home. This will be their first game at their usual ground, and they will want to make it count.
“We have prepared well, but we must be wary of the threat they pose,” he warned.
With both teams having something to prove, Highlanders seeking redemption and Triangle hunting for their first win, Sunday’s showdown at Gibbo promises to be a pulsating contest.
