HIGHLANDERS head coach Kelvin Kaindu had by yesterday not arrived in the country as the team started preparations for their crunch Mbada Diamonds Cup semi-final tie against Harare City at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane on Saturday.
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Bosso’s first training session of the week at White City Stadium yesterday morning was presided over by assistant coach Bekithemba “Super” Ndlovu.
Highlanders chairman Peter Dube had said the gaffer, away in the United Kingdom attending a Uefa B licence coaching course, was expected in the country on Monday or yesterday. However, a source close to the Zambian coach yesterday said Kaindu would only be in the country this morning.
“He was in Johannesburg yesterday (Monday) and he proceeded to Lusaka and will be leaving the Zambian capital for Livingstone today (yesterday) and will only be in the country tomorrow (today) morning,” the source said.
By yesterday afternoon, Highlanders boss Dube said he was not aware if the coach had arrived in the country as he was out of town and would only be available later in the evening.
Kaindu left Zambia for the UK last week after Highlanders lost 0-1 to Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium in a league match and Super took over the team during the week. He was in charge in the 1-1 draw against Motor Action at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.
Earlier last week, Highlanders had indicated the coach could be in time for the Motor Action match which saw Highlanders sharing the spoils with the already-relegated Mighty Bulls and rendering their chances of lifting the title slim after failing to go to the top of the log standings. Leaders Dynamos and Harare City also played draws at the weekend.
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Although Kaindu has been away on a skill-enhancement move that will build his curriculum vitae and help the club. His absence at a crucial time of the league and ahead of the Mbada Diamonds Cup semi-finals might return to haunt him and the Bosso leadership.
Highlanders last won the league title in 2006 under the guidance of Methembe “Mayor” Ndlovu and still have a chance — albeit slim — to lift this year’s title as they perch on position three on the table, a point behind Dynamos and Harare City on 49 points with three matches remaining to end the season.
Their last piece of silverware was in 2011 when they beat Dynamos 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out in the Independence Trophy under Mkhuphali “Mr Cooper” Masuku and after exiting the last two Mbada competitions in the early stages. This year looked bright for the Bulawayo giants in the tournament.
