Kaindu returns to Barbourfields Highlanders take on Triangle Kelvin Kaindu

KELVIN-KAINDU-NEWESTRicky Zililo and Lovemore Zigara
NINE months after quitting as Highlanders coach, Kelvin Kaindu returns tomorrow to face his former paymasters with his free-scoring Triangle United in a league match at Barbourfields Stadium.

The Zambian expatriate’s side has scored the most goals in the league thus far with 30 and trail table toppers Chicken Inn by two points having played a game more than the Gamecocks.

In his earlier visit to Bulawayo, Triangle held Chicken Inn to a goalless draw and Kaindu was mobbed by Highlanders fans after the match.

If the affection shown by Bosso fans when the Zambian came for the Chicken Inn match is anything to go by, then a warm reception awaits Kaindu, who threw in the towel at Bosso in September.

That was after some sections of Highlanders fans threw missiles at him and his players following a 1-3 home defeat against ZPC Kariba.

Kaindu is not the only ex-Bosso employee returning to Barbourfields in Triangle colours tomorrow. Striker Graham Ncube, midfielder Pasca “Ovidy” Manhanga and central defender Dumisani “Fazo” Ndlovu will be hoping to upset their former teammates.

Highlanders, who are still smarting from a 2-3 loss to Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium, declared their readiness for the Lowveld side with coach Bongani Mafu saying they had rectified their mistakes.

Defensive lapses have on numerous times cost Highlanders valuable points.

Bosso began their week with a physical training session on a sandy New Lobengula ground on Tuesday. The exercise was meant to work on players’ fitness.

It was followed by drills and a friendly match against a lower division side with Mafu concentrating on his defence.

“The morale is high and I must say the response has been very inspiring. We worked towards correcting our shortcomings during the week and also did some physical workouts at Lobengula. Obviously the defensive work will take time, but it’s coming up and the boys understand what they need to do,” said Mafu.

The Bosso gaffer is not intimidated by Kaindu’s return to Barbourfields and believes that the game presents an opportunity for his charges to prove their worth.

“It makes me glad to see that people appreciate coaches when they are gone and Kaindu is a good guy. Sunday isn’t about Kaindu’s return, but all about Highlanders taking on Triangle. They are a free-scoring side and it’s up to us to prove a point that we aren’t just a team, but a side capable of getting results,” said Mafu.

Highlanders will be missing striker Gabriel Nyoni, who has started light training after an injury and the suspended Thomas Chideu.

Man-of-the-Moment Knox Mutizwa, who has scored five goals in four consecutive starts, will lead Highlanders’ attack alongside Obadiah Tarumbwa.

Highlanders exhibited their best performance of the season against FC Platinum by knocking the ball around purposefully. It is the midfield battle that could decide the direction of the game with Bosso’ quartet of Simon Munawa, Rahman Kutsanzira, young King Nadolo and Edmore “Digo” Muzanenhamo expected to create scoring opportunities for the forwards.

Charles Rukwanhi, Manhanga, Cabby Kamhapa and Hillary Bakacheza should drive Triangle’s quest for glory.

Hardlife Mavhundi, who scored the solitary goal for Triangle against ZPC Kariba, misses tomorrow’s match through suspension after accumulating three yellow cards. Felix Kuswatuka, Lameck Nhamo and Zambian forward Antony Sakala will lead Triangle’s attack.

Meanwhile, Chicken Inn gaffer Joey Antipas said they were ready for Caps United.

“Caps United are a good side and we expect a tough game in Harare. Everyone in the team has been working hard and we’re looking forward to a positive result. We just want to maintain our momentum,” Antipas said.

They are likely to be without national team players Danny “Deco” Phiri, centre back Lawrence Mhlanga and striker Edmore Chirambadare.

Chapungu will be hoping to end their four-match winless run when they entertain a depleted FC Platinum side in a Midlands derby in a Premiership match at Ascot Stadium this afternoon.

The platinum miners would be without seven players, who are missing for various reasons.

Topping the list is the duo of Wisdom Mutasa and exciting winger Walter Musona, who are undergoing trials in Slovakia. Wellington Kamudyariwa has also been ruled out while Zambian defender Aaron Katebe is reportedly club hunting in South Africa.

Also missing will be Marshal Mudehwe and Emmanuel Mandiranga, who are in the Warriors’ squad for the Chan qualifier against Comoros.

Another exciting weekend game is set for the Colliery Stadium where Hwange take on Dynamos.

Hwange will be missing speedy forward Evans Rusike, who is undergoing trials in South Africa, as well as injured Young Warriors striker Pritchard Mphelele.

Dynamos are likely to be without star midfielder Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo, who is reported to be in South Africa for trials.

Chitiyo has been Dynamos’ driving force, crafting most of their goals and his unavailability might see coach David Mandigora giving Walter Mukanga the nod.

Tsholotsho FC take on ZPC Kariba while Flame Lily play Harare City.

Fixtures: Today: ZPC Kariba v Tsholotsho FC (Nyamhunga), Flame Lily v Harare City (Lafarge), Chapungu v FC Platinum (Ascot) Tomorrow: Caps United v Chicken Inn (National Sports Stadium), Dongo Sawmill v Whawha (Vengere), Hwange v Dynamos (Colliery), Highlanders v Triangle United (Barbourfields), Buffaloes v How Mine (Sakubva)

Table

P W D L F A GD Pts

*Chicken Inn 13 9 2 2 21 9 12 29

Triangle United 14 8 3 3 30 11 19 27

Dynamos 14 7 5 2 14 9 5 26

How Mine 14 7 4 3 21 12 9 25

Chapungu 14 6 4 4 13 11 2 22

FC Platinum 14 6 3 5 27 17 10 21

Harare City 14 5 6 3 16 11 5 21

Caps United 14 5 6 3 10 12 -2 21

Highlanders 14 5 4 5 15 13 2 19

ZPC Kariba 14 3 6 5 20 21 -1 15

Buffaloes 13 3 6 4 11 16 -5 15

Hwange 14 2 8 4 13 16 -3 14

Whawha 14 3 3 8 8 28 -20 12

Tsholotsho FC 14 2 5 7 6 14 -8 11

Flame Lily 14 2 5 7 8 17 -9 11

*Dongo Sawmills 13 1 4 8 8 20 -12 7

*Match abandoned

 

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