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Kelvin Kaindu

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGH FLYING Kelvin Kaindu returns to Bulawayo for the first time since his unceremonious departure as Highlanders coach when his gallant Triangle United troops take on another red hot opponent, Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium this afternoon.

The match has all the ingredients of an explosive encounter, reminiscent of a top of the table clash. The Gamecocks are top of the table with 18 points while the Lowveld outfit are sitting on second spot, two points behind.

Without doubt, the return to Bulawayo will surely be emotional for the shrewd Zambian whose last sight of a Bulawayo football pitch was at 730PM, September 28 last year,when he left Hartsfield Grounds as Highlanders coach after a 1-3 loss to then league debutants ZPC Kariba. The Zambian was violently pushed out of Bosso by fans who forced him to tender in his resignation. Third forces, though, were alleged to have played a major part in the fans’ behaviour.

“Bulawayo is my home no doubt about that but I’ m now employed by Triangle United. I have many memories of the city, many friends from Highlanders but I would not want to talk about them lest it causes unnecessary controversy,” said Kaindu, known for his careful diction.

He said his entire camp was fully behind today’s encounter and were aiming for a positive result that will see them escape from relegation come end of season.

“We want to push as much as possible and the players are hoping to win every game including tomorrow’s (today) but we are aware that Chicken Inn are in high spirits after their morale boosting win over a big side like Dynamos. They have all the advantage, moreso as they are playing at home,” said Kaindu, who will be missing the services of Kabby Kamhapa who picked up an injury over the weekend.

Kamhapa has been ruled out for four weeks and is in a plaster.

Despite the big win, which was also Dynamos’ worst defeat in 10 years, Chicken Inn coach Joe Antipas remains modest but is hoping for maximum points today.

He too will be missing a very influential player in skipper Danny Phiri who is serving his suspension after being red carded in the win over How Mine.

Phiri was replaced by Thabani Goredema who is said to have played a blinder in Harare.

“We just have to remain positive and low headed, Triangle have proven how deadly they can be. They are riding high and can only be ignored at one’s peril,” said Antipas. “Complacency is not part of our vocabulary.”

Triangle have to keep a hawk’s eye on Premiership find of the season Edmore Chirambadare who seems to be scoring for fun in his debut season, a feat that has seen him getting a national team call up.

Elvis Chipezeze will be another stumbling block for Triangle United strikers who have found the target 17 times in seven matches so far, an average of 2,43 goals per match.

Across town at White City Stadium, Tsholotsho FC, still smarting from their heaviest defeat so far, will play host to league hardmen, Chapungu United who made a miraculous comeback over the weekend to draw 2-2 with Buffaloes in Mutare. Tsholotsho were humbled 0-3 by FC Platinum last Friday.

The airmen are making their third trip to the City of Kings where they have picked up four points and from their weekend performance will start the match as favourites although Tsholotsho will certainly not want to lose two games on the trot.