Bosso's Kaindu gets an ultimatum?

HIGHLANDERS FC coach Kelvin Kaindu has reportedly been given an ultimatum to collect seven points in the club's next three games in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League by the club's executive following a string of poor results.

According to impeccable sources the club's executive expressed concern over the team's failure to score over the past four league games that came after a defeat in the One Wallet Super 8 Cup.

Highlanders have only managed to collect two points from a possible 12 after settling for nil all draws with Bantu Rovers and How Mine and succumbing to identical 1-0 defeats by Black Rhinos and Dynamos, which have inflicted a heavy dent in their championship credentials.

Pressure has been piling up on the Zambian coach as this is his third year in charge of the team and has seemingly not managed to take the team to greater heights as they have played beautiful football and dominated possession in their matches but seem to lack the cutting edge when it comes to scoring.

"Kaindu was given the ultimatum during the Monday meeting because the executive felt as the coach he is responsible for the team's performance and it has not been pleasing. He (Kaindu) has been given enough time and ammunition and they cited the fact that he signed a performance-based contract, so they referred to those clauses," said a source.

However, Highlanders chairman, Peter Dube and chief executive officer, Ndumiso Gumede denied giving Kaindu an ultimatum with the latter saying there was nothing wrong with the team's performance.

Gumede said only a person who does not know football would be worried about Highlanders' performance and believed the team would come out right.

Kaindu also said he knew nothing about the ultimatum.

At the beginning of the year, the club received a boost from their sponsors, BancABC who reportedly availed $100 000 to the club to bring on new players and Bosso went on to strengthen the team by signing top goal scorer, Charles Sibanda, Welcome Ndiweni, Joel Ngodzo, Khumbulani Banda, Felix Chindungwe, goalkeeper, Njabulo Nyoni, Valentine Ndaba while Kudakwashe Mahachi came on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns at the beginning of the year.

During the mid-season transfer window the club again made several signings that included returning prodigal son Njabulo Ncube, Tapiwa Dephistara, Kudzanai Machazane, Gift Saunyama, Pasca Manhanga and Webster Chingozha.

The coming in of new players had given hope that the club would claim its first league title in eight years and quench their supporters' thirst.

Kaindu's arrival saw the fortunes of the team improving and ensuring they finish two consecutive seasons equal on points with Dynamos but have been runners up due to the goal difference rule.

There is, however, debate among the club's followers on whether Kaindu was the one failing or the players, who manage to dominate opponents but fail to find the all important goals that make the difference between winning and losing.

Some have accused the players of failing the coach while other fans have laid the blame squarely on Kaindu's shoulders.

There was hope that after attaining a Uefa B licence earlier this year, Kaindu would come back and lead the club to championship glory.

In August 2011, Dynamos fired then head coach, Lloyd Mutasa and roped in his then assistant, Calisto Pasuwa, who took over with 10 matches remaining and went on to guide the Harare giants to their first league title in four years.