Published: 5 hours ago

Dynamos coach Kelvin Kaindu is set for an emotional return to Barbourfields Stadium in two weeks, this time leading the struggling Harare giants against his former club, Highlanders, in a match that could determine both teams' Premier Soccer League survival.

The clash, scheduled for Emagumeni - Bulawayo's iconic home of football - is expected to attract a huge crowd as the two traditional rivals fight to escape the relegation zone. The encounter comes just a week before the two sides meet again in the semi-final of the Chibuku Super Cup at Rufaro Stadium.

Kaindu, who was sacked by Highlanders in June following a poor run of results, has revived his career at Dynamos, guiding them to five wins and two draws in seven matches since taking charge. His strong start has seen him win back-to-back Coach of the Month awards for August and September.

Dynamos, who were deep in relegation trouble, have now climbed to 14th position on the log with 33 points - just two behind Highlanders, who sit ninth with 34 points. Both sides drew their most recent matches, with Highlanders being held to a goalless stalemate by Herentals on Sunday, while Dynamos drew 1–1 with Ngezi Platinum Stars a day earlier.

Kaindu's last match in charge of Highlanders before his dismissal was a goalless draw against Chicken Inn at Barbourfields, following a defeat to title contenders Simba Bhora and a win over Manica Diamonds. He was replaced by assistant coach Try Ncube, who was later succeeded by Dutchman Pieter De Jongh.

The Zambian tactician's history with Highlanders dates back to 2011, when he first took over from Mkhupali Masuku. Despite two promising seasons in 2012 and 2013, Kaindu fell short of delivering the league title that Bosso have now gone 19 years without winning.

After parting ways with Highlanders, Kaindu went on to coach Triangle United, How Mine, and later returned to Bosso last year, finishing the 2023 season in sixth place without any silverware.

With only four matches left in the 2025 league campaign, both Highlanders and Dynamos are under immense pressure to collect maximum points and secure their top-flight status. Kaindu's return to Barbourfields, this time on the visitors' bench, promises to be one of the most charged fixtures of the season - with emotions, pride, and survival all on the line.
- souther eye

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