I HAVE NOT QUIT: KAINDU

Sport
AS rumours went into overdrive last night that Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu had quit the club after the 1-3 loss to ZPC Kariba, the Zambian and former club striker said he had not quit.

AS rumours went into overdrive last night that Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu had quit the club after the 1-3 loss to ZPC Kariba, the Zambian and former club striker said he had not quit. FORTUNE MBELE SPORTS REPORTER

But club chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede suggested this would be the best for the Zambian national.

“He should just do the honourable thing and resign. As an executive we cannot say anything for now until after tomorrow (tonight) evening’s meeting. But look, we were fighting for 21 points, but as things stand now, Dynamos are now on 46 points, ZPC Kariba on 44, Caps United won yesterday (Saturday) and they are now on 42 points and we remain on 39.

We have gone down. It’s actually not going down. It’s a slide. Hwange is playing tomorrow (today) and if they win, they would be on top of us. I think what the coach must do is the honourable thing and just resign,” Gumede said after the match.

However, Kaindu, who was holed up in the dressing room with his assistants and the medical team for close to one-and-half hours said he would not comment on what the executive had said.

Even after the match, there was speculation that Kaindu had bid farewell to the players, but the Zambian mentor refuted the rumours. “That is just a rumour,” Kaindu said at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds. “I will not comment on what the executive has said.

But the players have done well. In football there is a win, a draw and loss. What I can say is that I have worked well with everybody.

“I know people are disappointed, but I have done well at Highlanders. People might have been angry and it goes beyond football. I am not going to answer anything about the executive,” Kaindu said, as he emerged from the dressing room.

Southern Eye Sport called him up again, around 7pm and he confirmed that it was just a rumour.

There have been rumours that either Bantu Rovers associate coach Mandla Mpofu, Mkhuphali Masuku or former How Mine coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube have been earmarked for Kaindu’s job with sources saying a long-time Bosso benefactor (name withheld) had offered to pay off the Zambian gaffer for the remainder of his contract if Highlanders firmly believe the gaffer had failed.

Kaindu could walk away with close to $60 000 if he is fired, but much less if he quits.

Six matches remain in the league and Bosso will fight hard – even for a top-four finish – as they have three tough away assignments to title-chasing Caps United, Hwange and another away tie to troublesome neighbours Chicken Inn.