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Innocent Kurira, [email protected]

HIGHLANDERS head coach Kelvin Kaindu is feeling the heat after his team’s uninspiring six-game winless streak. However, Kaindu believes that pressure is an inherent part of football and is hopeful that his team will finally get it together in their Week 16 fixture against Hwange, who are currently second from bottom on the log.

Bosso’s last victory was back in April when they beat CAPS United 2-0 at Barbourfields Stadium in April, and critics have begun to take aim at Kaindu.

They went on to lose 0-2 to FC Platinum before registering four consecutive one-all stalemates against ZPC Kariba, Manica Diamonds, Green Fuel and Bikita Minerals and a goalless draw against Arenel Movers. Nonetheless, the Zambian coach remains optimistic and says he is doing all he can to motivate his squad.

“There is always pressure. You win, there will be pressure, you lose there will be more pressure. So, it is the ability to get momentum in this key situation. It also shows the pedigree that you have to manage a difficult situation. The fans have been fantastic, supporting the team and we hope we will turn around the situation,” said Kaindu.

Kaindu admits that his side is going through a rough patch but remains positive. “It has not been a good phase. We need to find a solution to get out of this phase. Hwange have not been doing well, but they are coming from a victory. When they play Highlanders, they are not predictable. It’s not going to be easy given the majority of the guys who play in that team are from this region. We need to maintain the ability for us to improve our conversion rate,” he said.

“I have to keep inspiring the team and look at the positives. We can score in almost all the games. We are creating chances and have to work on our conversion rate. We also need to work on the defence because we are conceding easy goals.”

Furthermore, Kaindu has indicated that he may need to sign two strikers in the upcoming mid-season transfer window amid fears that the club may lose midfielder Divine Mhindirira at the end of the month.

Mhindirira’s contract expires on June 30 and sources have revealed that the player is on the radar of several local teams, including Chicken Inn, Simba Bhora and FC Platinum.

Prior to their 1-0 victory over Green Fuel at the Colliery Stadium last weekend, Hwange had won only one match against Yadah on the opening day of the season. Since then, they went on an appalling run of five draws and eight losses.

Week 16 Fixtures

Saturday
Bikita Minerals v Chicken Inn (Sakubva Stadium), Herentals v Ngezi Platinum (Rufaro Stadium, Arenel Movers v Telone (Luveve Stadium), FC Platinum v Simba Bhora ( Mandava Stadium), ZPC Kariba v Bulawayo Chiefs

Sunday
CAPS United v Chegutu Pirates (Rufaro Stadium), Manica Diamonds v Dynamos (Sakubva Stadium), Green Fuel v Yadah (GreenFuel Arena) Highlanders v Hwange (Barbourfields Stadium)