Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
VETERAN coach Kelvin Kaindu is rolling back the years after guiding debutants Hardrock to the summit of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League after 13 matches.
While Takesure Chiragwi and his CAPS United have deservedly grabbed the headlines for their impressive start to the season, Kelvin ‘Pastor’ Kaindu has silently been performing miracles at Hardrock.
Last week, the Kasongo Boys briefly enjoyed life at the summit before being knocked off the top spot, but with Makepekepe dropping points at the weekend, Hardrock took full advantage and are now level on points with CAPS United, whose inferior goal difference has seen them dropping to second on the table.
The club made plenty of noise during pre-season over their stadium renovations and aggressive recruitment drive, but on the pitch, the Zambian tactician has built a fearless and efficient side that has already amassed eight victories, the joint highest tally in the league this season.
The Kwekwe-based outfit has also emerged as the league’s most potent attacking side with 21 goals so far, spearheaded by last season’s Golden Boot winner Washington Navaya, who has already struck six times this campaign.
It has not only been about flair and firepower at Hardrock, but they have also shown steel at the back, conceding just seven goals, only one more than defending champions Scottland who boast the league’s meanest defence.
Kaindu is no stranger to success at this level.
Last season, he masterminded Dynamos’ dramatic turnaround, leading the Glamour Boys on a lengthy unbeaten run that ultimately saved them from relegation.
During his first stint at Highlanders, the seasoned gaffer twice came agonisingly close to league glory, finishing runners-up in consecutive seasons after losing the title on goal difference on both occasions.
Maybe, just maybe, this could finally be the year Kelvin Kaindu gets his hands on the elusive league title that has narrowly escaped him for so long.
