‘Super’ to take charge of Bosso

Sport
CHAMPIONSHIP contenders Highlanders might be out for a hunt against relegated Motor Action on Sunday without head coach Kelvin Kaindu

CHAMPIONSHIP contenders Highlanders might be out for a hunt against relegated Motor Action on Sunday without head coach Kelvin Kaindu — set to arrive in the country from United Kingdom (UK) on Saturday.

Ronald Moyo Sports Reporter

The Zambian mentor left the country just after Highlanders’ 0-1 energy-sapping home defeat to Dynamos to attend a Uefa B coaching licence course in the UK.

In his absence, trusted lieutenant Bekithemba “Super” Ndlovu has been in charge of the preparations ahead of their crucial tie against the Mighty Bulls and is set to take the team to Rufaro Stadium in Harare on Sunday.

Highlanders chairman Peter Dube yesterday said they were expecting Kaindu to be back on time, but for the Sunday game it would be illogical for him to take charge of a team that he did not train.

“We are expecting him in time and hope he will be there for the Sunday match, but anything might happen as flights might delay which could lead to him delaying as well. His assistant coaches are available. They have been in charge of the team during his absence; they can do the job,” Dube said.

Ndlovu yesterday said he was not under pressure to take charge of Bosso, just a point behind log leaders Dynamos and second-placed Harare City who are at par on 48 points.

“I am not under pressure, everything is fine except for Innocent Mapuranga and Gabriel Nyoni who are nursing injuries, otherwise everyone is geared for the game. The players are looking prepared because they know that we need to win all the remaining matches,” he said.

Mapuranga picked up an injury in a 3-0 triumph over Black Rhinos at Rimuka Stadium a fortnight ago and it was aggravated in the DeMbare clash. The Bosso skipper had to be stretchered off the pitch 15 minutes after the breather to make way for Hillary Madzivanyika.

The Bulawayo giants will also face Motor Action without the services of current marksman Njabulo “Tshiki” Ncube who was red carded after he retaliated to a Partson Jaure tackle.

The absence of both Ncube and Nyoni upfront could be a big blow for Bosso who will have to depend on former Motor Action midfielder Masimba Mambare, Beaven Chikaka and the youthful Ozias Zibande. Tshiki has been influential for Bosso, scoring nine league goals so far while the energetic Nyoni has also banged in important goals for Highlanders.

However, Ndlovu said those available will do the job for the team as his charges would turn a blind eye to Motor Action’s poor performance and play their usual game.

“Although they have been relegated, they are training hard to win against us. There are some Motor Action players who know very well that they might attract the attention of other teams, so I predict a fierce battle. The boys are aware of all this and I am sure they are going to take this game seriously,” he added.