Kaindu's last laugh

Highlanders' Zambian coach Kelvin Kaindu, who had come increasingly under pressure from a section of the Bosso faithful who were beginning to question his ability to steer their beloved team to stardom, had the last laugh after his charges outplayed How Mine in the final of the Mbada Diamonds Cup yesterday.

Despite transforming Bosso into quite a formidable side which has challenged for the country's ultimate football prize in the last two seasons and an unforgettable 23-match unbeaten run last season, he has of late been blamed by a section of the ever-demanding fans who loathed seeing their team play second fiddle to bitter Dynamos.

His decision to leave ship and enrol for a high-level coaching UEFA coaching course in England at a crucial stage of the campaign had also widened the rift between the Zambian and the black and white folk.

But all this was put to rest after the former Bosso winger guided the team to victory in the country's richest football tournament, making Bosso only the second team to win the tourney after Dynamos who won it twice since its inception in 2011.

Players led by Munyaradzi Diya dedicated the triumph to Kaindu whom they said had played a very big role in their triumph and could be forgiven as they hoisted their hero after the match.

Kaindu himself was aware of the pressure swirling around him and was deservedly a relieved man after the match yesterday.

"I thank God that we have finally won, having worked under very difficult conditions. The environment has not been very good but in terms of working we have been consistent and only people who just do not appreciate were criticising us.

"It is a result of hard work, everyone has really put in maximum effort and we are happy with this.

"With the money that also comes with this triumph I think this should be a better consolation for the league which we let slip.

"I think all realists can attest to the fact that we have done well with the resources at our disposal, competing with teams that would buy players as they wish as compared to our case, but it's a fact you cannot impress everyone.

"It is also very nice that we have won it here where people love you the most and where you are really appreciated.

"It was not easy in the road to the final and even against How Mine today (yesterday) but we knew we were definitely going to land something big this season and it really is a good reward for these players," Kaindu told journalists after the match.

Asked whether he will continue in the hot seat next season against the background of his contract expiring at the end of the month, the Zambian referred questions to the Peter Dube-led executive.

"Why don't you ask my employers on whether I will be around or not? I am standing before you right now as the Highlanders coach and it is not for me but the employer to say if I will be allowed to continue," he said.

Now that Kaindu has ended Bosso's seven-year major title drought and Bulawayo and the rest of the black and white faithful is in celebratory mood, critics will now be left with egg on the face. The youthful gaffer will afford a smile in the off-season and continue his studies in peace.