Online Reporter
Stanford Chiwanga, Quality Editor
A season that began with such high hopes but ultimately stalled in stagnation, has culminated in Highlanders FC officially parting ways with head coach Kelvin Kaindu. While this news has undoubtedly stirred a mix of emotions among supporters and football analysts alike, the underlying statistics offer a far clearer picture: this was a team that was remarkably tough to beat, yet, frustratingly, seemed to have forgotten how to win.
After 17 matches in the Castle Premier Soccer League, Highlanders sit ninth on the table with 23 points. It’s a position that suggests neither crisis nor contention, but something arguably worse: inertia.
Highlanders played 17 matches in the Castle Premier Soccer League, securing five wins, eight draws — the second-highest in the league — and suffering just four losses, with only four clubs losing fewer games. They scored 18 goals and conceded 13, resulting in a goal difference of +5. These figures reflect a team that is defensively solid and difficult to beat, yet struggles to convert matches into victories.
Kaindu’s side recorded more draws than wins and losses combined. This pattern reflects a team with resilience — but also one lacking the tactical sharpness to convert opportunities into victories. The inability to close out matches, particularly those that were winnable, became a defining flaw.
Clubs like FC Platinum and ZPC Kariba, with comparable scoring records, have climbed higher up the table through sheer efficiency. Highlanders, by contrast, repeatedly surrendered slim leads and settled for draws far too often.
League leaders Simba Bhora are 12 points clear. Even Scottland FC, in fourth place, are just four points ahead. With a more clinical edge in just a few of those drawn fixtures, Highlanders could easily be in the title conversation.
In football, not losing is not the same as winning. Despite a solid defensive record and one of the better goal differences in the league, Highlanders’ campaign has been undermined by its conservative returns. And when supporters demand progress, mid-table mediocrity quickly becomes intolerable.
Kaindu’s departure, while perhaps harsh on the surface, was statistically inevitable.
According to a club statement released last night, Try Ncube, Kaindu’s first assistant will be the interim head coach.
“Highlanders Football Club would like to inform its stakeholders of the following changes in its Technical team with immediate effect: 1. The club has parted ways with head coach Kelvin Kaindu. 2. First Assistant Coach Try Ncube will, in the interim, head the technical team, assisted by Second Assistant Coach Agent Sawu. 3. The rest of the technical team members will maintain their roles.
“The above changes have been necessitated by the recent streak of unsatisfactory results. The club wishes coach Kelvin Kaindu the best in his future endeavours and thanks him for his contribution during his time of service,” read the statement.
