Onward Gangata
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHEN Hardrock walked out of Chahwanda on Sunday, after a remarkable 3-2 come-from-behind win against MWOS, they did not just stretch their lead at the top of the table to EIGHT points.
The Kwekwe side also extended their unbeaten run in the league to 98 days, having last lost on July 19, when they went down 1-2 to Triangle.
It was the latest late show which has seen Hardrock win very late in games against Dynamos, FC Hunters and Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Kelvin Kaindu, the Hardrock coach, is a man of faith, a devout Christian.
Last season he saved Dynamos from relegation and, to put the cherry on top, also won the Chibuku Super Cup.
However, this season he has spoken less about his faith, instead, he has allowed his work to do the talking.
It’s as if he is fulfilling the scriptures which question “show me your faith without your works and I will show you my faith by my works”.
Kaindu never stopped believing even when his men were trailing at half-time and went two goals down in the second half.
“Faith is the ability to believe in what is not seen,” said the Zambian after the euphoria of an extraordinary comeback had died down.
“Even at half-time I told them (the players) to believe in ourselves.
“Our character has been tested in the last games against Dynamos and MWOS and it shows that we have built a character.”
To turn the match on its head, the way the Kasongo Boys did, is a remarkable feat on its own.
However, clocking 98 days without defeat in the Premiership is no mean achievement, considering the opponents Hardrock have faced in the process.
Away wins against Highlanders and Dynamos form part of the nine-match winning streak by the Kwekwe side.
Football has never been kind to anyone.
There is this cruel, and brutal manner, in which it chops you down, from your lofty position.
Kaindu is fully aware that this streak will count for nothing if his side drop the ball at this stage.
Twice, as Highlanders coach in 2012 and 2013, he lost the league title on goal difference.
For him, that is a closed chapter, which he no longer worries about but has used the experience gained to become a better coach.
“I don’t look at what happened in the past,” he said.
“This is a new chapter, we have been scoring goals in all our games.
“We have a better goal difference to the team that is behind us and the most important thing is the consistency, with which we have applied ourselves.
“I think this is our time, these are games we could have lost against Dynamos and MWOS, when all hope was lost, even some fans were probably going out and we score to win it in the end, is special.”
Scottland will begin life after Norman Mapeza playing catch up on Thursday against CAPS United.
They will be under the guidance of the legendary Peter Ndlovu, as H-Metro exclusively revealed yesterday.
He will be assisted by Danger Fourpence, whose first game will be against his old club CAPS United.
Hardrock fans were singing ‘KepeKepe Bhora’ after Sunday’s victory, a sign that they know that this race is not done yet and they will appreciate every helping hand they will get.
Whether the champions can overturn Hardrock’s lead remains to be seen.
For now, Kaindu is combining faith and hard work and it is bearing fruit.
