DYNAMOS coach Kelvin Kaindu says it’s time DeMbare and Highlanders wake up and smell the coffee as the two Zimbabwean giants clash in a crucial Castle Lager Premier Soccer League relegation tussle at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow.
Kaindu makes an emotional return to Emagumeni, the venue where he was sacked from Highlanders in June for poor results.
Since then, he has executed a remarkable resuscitation of Dynamos, muscling them away from the relegation zone.
DeMbare still need to collect maximum points from their remaining four games to steer clear of the dreaded guillotine.
With 32 points from 30 matches, Dynamos sit on position 14 — just one spot above the relegation cut-off — and are only two points behind their opponents.
Highlanders perch on the ninth spot with 34 points as this fierce relegation dogfight takes centre stage.
The Glamour Boys were rooted near the bottom of the table for the better part of the season until the arrival of the Zambian native, who is yet to lose a match.
Kaindu’s record stands at five wins and two draws, and Dynamos have also made it to the semi-finals of the prestigious Chibuku Super Cup, where they will date Bosso at Rufaro Stadium next weekend.
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Kaindu reflected on the gravity of the situation.
“If you look at it, the two teams are separated by two points,” he said.
“I’m not sure about the history, but I think this is the first time that both teams are having this game while fighting relegation.
“This is a wake-up call for the giants to begin to check on themselves on how they can still remain giants and how they can remain competitive in the league.”
He added: “I am sure the fixture must give them something to think about even as the season comes to an end.
“I don’t think such a thing has happened before in the past where both teams, with four games remaining, are not certain if they are staying up or avoiding the fight against relegation.”
On his return to BF, where he had two previous stints with the Bulawayo giants before moving to the Harare rivals, the former Highlanders gaffer admitted it won’t be an easy game.
“It’s different. I have been in that set-up for some time, but now the difference is I am coming with a rival team for Highlanders,” Kaindu said.
“I come back to BF with a number of emotions; there are friends who appreciate the work I have been doing, who have a passion to support you... there is a bond that you create with some people. It’s not going to be easy, it’s going to be an emotional game.
“We just hope that we get there and that the fans who troop in in their numbers get entertained, and it’s worth what they are going to pay to watch the game.”
Like Highlanders, DeMbare invade BF with a full squad.
“Our health is good. Everyone is available for selection. We have a full squad.
“All that we need is to pick the right players for this encounter. We have four games; we have 12 points remaining.
“When I made the decision to join Dynamos, everybody thought I was crazy, but it was based on faith, and slowly we are moving in the strength of faith.”
When Bosso fired Kaindu, they re-engaged former coach Pieter de Jongh, who says Highlanders just need four points to be safe from the chop.
The Dutchman appealed for fair play from the match officials ahead of tomorrow’s big clash.
“I expect fair play. What I saw in the game between Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum was not fair play.
“On Sunday, we need a good referee — not only for Highlanders, but for both teams.
“It is very important for football in Zimbabwe that there is good refereeing,” De Jongh stressed.
“We play for victory, but so do our opponents. I hope for strong support from our great fans. I think it will be a full house.
“It’s the biggest game in Zimbabwean football; there is no discussion about that.”
