Ngezi zero in on 3 candidates

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
AMBITIOUS Mhondoro-based Castle Lager Premier Soccer League side Ngezi Platinum Stars have reportedly zeroed in on three candidates, Kelvin Kaindu, and Madinda Ndlovu, as possible replacements for sacked head coach Tonderayi Ndiraya.

Ndiraya was cut loose a few days after the side’s shock 0-1 loss to struggling Bulawayo City at Barbourfields Stadium last month, with assistant coach Cliffton Kadurira being named caretaker coach for the rest of the season.

“Management are keen to land the league title and they have so far zeroed in on Kaindu, Gumbo and Ndlovu, but they seem to be keener on Kaindu, as they believe working conditions there will most likely suit the Zambian,” said a source.

“Ndlovu’s name was also suggested and they were even willing to buy out his contract at Highlanders, but I believe some Ngezi Platinum board members don’t want to destabilise Highlanders, but you never know with football, anything can happen.”

However, Ngezi Platinum secretary-general Cloete Munjoma refuted the reports linking their team to the trio.

“Who said that? When we parted ways with our former coach Ndiraya, we made information available to everyone and we will do the same when we make an appointment,” said Munjoma.

Kaindu’s last job in Zimbabwe was with now defunct How Mine, having started his coaching career with Highlanders before club politics pushed him out following a loss to ZPC Kariba. He then landed at Triangle United, but stayed there briefly before returning to Bulawayo to take charge of How Mine.

When management chose to do away with football, Kaindu left for his native Zambia where he took over as head coach at Power Dynamos.
Gumbo is presently clubless, but is the Warriors’ assistant coach.

Ngezi Platinum have been involved in a two-horse race with defending champions FC Platinum for the league title and Ndiraya was surprisingly sacked when the team was five points behind Norman Mapeza’s side, but now find themselves seven points adrift heading into today’s Matchday 31.

A loss for them and a win for Pure Platinum Play will end the title race as a contest.