'No room for error against Dembare,' says Kaindu

AFTER failing to obtain maximum points against Dynamos in his four league meetings with the Harare giants, Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu says this time there is no room for error when they face off tomorrow.

The country's Big Two clash in what should be a humdinger Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at the National Sports Stadium.

Kaindu joined Bosso at the beginning of the 2012 season and that year he managed to guide the Bulawayo giants to two 1-1 draws. Last year, Highlanders held Dynamos to a 1-1 draw at Rufaro Stadium and were beaten 0-1 at Barbourfields Stadium.

According to Kaindu, in all their last four matches lapses in concentration were the cause for their failure to get maximum points and believes they have learnt their lessons from their last meetings.

"Our preparations have gone on well and everyone is available for selection. I am looking forward to a good game and hopefully this time we are going to get it right. What we just have to do is avoid making unnecessary errors. A closer look at how we have failed to get maximum points against them in the past shows that we tend to make errors which result in them getting goals and that is why we have to concentrate to the last whistle," said Kaindu.

There is a lot to play for tomorrow besides the bragging rights.

One of the "bulls" in the premiership kraal will have to show its prowess tomorrow and both sets of fans are pregnant with hope that their team will triumph.

What makes the National Sports Stadium encounter more fascinating is that while Highlanders are out to end the seven-year winless jinx, Dynamos are hard-pressed to continue their dominance over Bosso.

"I believe in teamwork and I cannot single out any department which will be key in deciding the outcome as football is a team sport. I expect all the departments to come to the party and one advantage that we have which I think is a psychological booster is that we have scored in almost all our games. If we score on Sunday, we will definitely get a positive result," Kaindu said.

Highlanders only failed to score in their first match of the season against Chapungu which ended 0-0 while Dynamos have failed to find the back of the net in five of their 11 matches.

The last time they beat Dynamos was in 2006, the year they won the championship.

The Zambian expatriate acknowledged the support they got from their chief sponsors BancABC who availed funds for not only Highlanders to strengthen their side, but to Dynamos as well.

"Honestly, I think without our sponsors BancABC, we would not be where we are and this game which presents two clubs which they bankroll should be explosive. We have a good squad and the players are happy because they get their salaries on time.

"We are going there to enjoy football and I pray that fans come and support us and have a great time as well. They must respect the decisions that the referees will make whether they are good or bad to them," said Kaindu.

Some of the players that Highlanders have managed to sign because of the corporate backing of BancABC are leading scorer Charles Sibanda, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Welcome Ndiweni, Valentine Ndaba, Khumbulani Banda and defender Felix Chindungwe.

Bosso also managed to keep some of their players like Erick Mudzingwa, Mthulisi Maphosa, Bruce Kangwa, Rahman Kutsanzira, Ajax Cape Town-bound Milton Ncube as well as Peter "Rio" Moyo who is on his way to Mpumalanga Black Aces.

Highlanders' strength lies on their attacking options starting from the midfield where they have Mahachi, Kutsanzira, Ndiweni, Knox Mutizwa, Ndaba and Joel Ngodzo all vying for creative places.

Sibanda, who is also comfortable in the midfield, is competing for striking places with Ncube, Ozias Zibande, Gabriel Nyoni and Cleopas Dube.

On the other hand Dynamos will bank on Stephen Alimenda, Partson Jaure, Themba Ndlovu, match winner Cliff Sekete, Ronald "Rooney" Chitiyo, Walter Mukanga and Anesu Gondo with two goals.

DeMbare have also been boosted by the availability of captain Tawanda Muparati who has been out due to injury.

"Everyone is available save for three or so guys and we are geared up for game. Everyone wants to win and keep the history intact," said Richard Chihoro, Dynamos manager.

Today: Bantu Rovers v Buffaloes (Luveve), Black Rhinos v Triangle United (Rimuka, 3PM SS)

Tomorrow: Dynamos v Highlanders (National Sports Stadium, 3PM SS), Hwange v Chicken Inn (Colliery), How Mine v FC Platinum (Luveve), Shabanie Mine v ZPC Kariba (Maglas), Chiredzi v Caps United (Chishamiso).