Hardrock peaking at the right moment, says Kaindu ahead of crunch Dynamos test

At this point last season, Zambian tactician Kelvin Kaindu was deep in the murky waters of relegation with Dynamos. And in a fairytale change of his tale as a head coach in Zimbabwe, Kaindu now finds himself at the peak of the PSL standings with a chance to win his first league title in Zimbabwe, having missed this opportunity during his time at Highlanders.

Kaindu believes Hardrock have hit top form at the perfect time as the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race reaches its boiling point.

They have won their last seven matches against Agama FC, Ngezi Platinum Stars, FC Hunters, TelOne FC, Highlanders FC and Bulawayo Chiefs.

The Kwekwe-based newcomers sit top of the pile on 63 points, two points clear of Scottland FC with four matches left, and face a tricky trip to Rufaro Stadium to play Dynamos on Saturday in Matchday 31.

FOUR GAMES IS A LOT SAYS KAINDU

Coach Kelvin Kaindu at Rufaro stadium. Picture by Fanzone/Libertino

Kaindu, who will face his former club for the second time this season after the chaotic first leg at Chahwanda Stadium, says his team has fixed its biggest concern.

“The race is still on. Four games is a lot, but we have shown a lot of improvement and also improved on our goal difference,” the Zambian mentor said.

Saturday’s game is more than just three points considering how the reverse fixture at Chahwanda Stadium ended, with grim scenes of chaos. The match was 1-1 when fans invaded the pitch and forced an abandonment.

The PSL then ordered the remaining 14 minutes to be played behind closed doors at Baobab Stadium, where Hardrock conceded a last-minute goal to lose 2-1.

“The first game was a very difficult game, especially when we lost in the last minute of the replay,” Kaindu said.

Hardrock go into the Dynamos clash level on goals scored with Scottland – both on 34 – but Scottland have a continental distraction, with a CAF Champions League trip to Angola to face Petro de Luanda. Kaindu, however, is refusing to look at what his title rivals are doing.

A key reason for Hardrock’s surge has been their attack. Washington Navaya has already equalled last season’s tally of 17 goals and is now chasing 20.

KAINDU CALLS FOR CALM AND STERN MANAGEMENT OF FANS

Furthermore Kaindu has called for calm in the stands. He said: “Fans need to be managed in big games. Let football be played and won on the field. We expect our fans to come in numbers, their support is very key at the stage we have reached.”

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