‘Just a team from Division One…’: Kaindu on heated title race with Scottland and CAPS

Hardrock FC coach Kelvin Kaindu is downplaying his team’s title aspirations despite the club holding pole position as the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League reaches its halfway mark.

The Kasongo Golden Boys have been impressive in their debut season. Kaindu’s men put up a convincing 3-0 win over Simba Bhora FC at Chahwanda Stadium on Sunday.

The massive win saw them leap to pole position on 31 points, level with Scottland FC and CAPS United FC but leading on goal difference.

While it’s slowly shaping up to be a three-horse race, Hardrock FC’s rise has been pushed by massive investment at the club, including a new stadium.

Hardrock FC face FC Platinum in a Midlands derby that seals the first round of the PSL. Potentially, they could lead the league table at the halfway mark if they beat the Zvishavane side.

On the other hand, Scottland are breathing down their necks after being promised USD 5,000 if they end the first stanza of the season top of the table.

But Kaindu is taking it easy on himself and his men amid the overwhelming expectations, saying they are a team still fresh from the unfashionable First Division.

MISSING WASHINGTON NAVAYA IN TWO GAMES

Washington Navaya in action against Simba Bhora. Picture by Fanzone

Kaindu admitted that missing the services of Washington Navaya cost them in two matches where they failed to register a win, although the match against Dynamos FC was abandoned. They drew with MWOS FC.

“We are just a team fresh from Division One. The goal is to stay in the Premier League. We take every game as it comes. Today we scored three goals and got maximum points. We also saw the value we missed from Navaya in the last two games,” Kaindu said.

“He came back today and made a difference for us. Scoring three and keeping a clean sheet shows the confidence we’re building in the team.

“I’m particularly happy with the way we defended today – there were no moments where we gave our opponents a chance. Our ability to play from the back also shows we’re now stable in defense.”

RELATED STORY: Washington Navaya shines as Hardrock FC rise to the top