By McGeorge Mbare
PREMIER Soccer League debutants Hard Rock FC will host FC Platinum at Chahwanda Stadium on the final day of the season as they bid to win their first-ever top-flight title in their maiden campaign.
So, as much as it might seem like the stars are aligning for Hard Rock Coach Kelvin Kaindu to end his career trophy drought,by cradling the Premier Soccer League cup in his arms, the cold, hard reality is there’s as good a chance as any that the storybook ending doesn’t happen.
Hard Rock lead the PSL standings with 70 points and a +36 goal difference, followed by Scotland, who have 68 points and a superior +39 goal difference.
The scenario is a draw against FC Platinum, coupled with a victory for Scotland against Triangle, would change the ending for Kaindu and his charges.
Equally, a victory for Kaindu’s men could dramatically alter Peter Ndlovu’s ambitions with his Scotland side.
The reality is that Kaindu has been in a similar situation before.
Thirteen years ago, in 2012 and 2013, he experienced the heartbreak of losing the championship race twice to Dynamos under similar circumstances , with Dembare under the guidance of Calisto Pasuwa .
During the 2012 season with Highlanders, Kaindu finished the campaign with 69 points, the same tally as Dynamos, but lost the championship on goal difference.
Bosso had controlled much of the title race just like what Hard Rock is currently doing, but in the penultimate match of the season, Kaindu endured a nightmare at Rufaro Stadium as Highlanders suffered a humiliating 0-4 defeat at the hands of Harare City.
The following season, Kaindu’s Highlanders finished with 54 points, again level with Dynamos, but once more lost the championship race on goal difference.
That’s not stopping the Hard Rock fans and club from embracing an underdog story ahead of their match against the former PSL winners ,FC Platinum.
This time around, Kaindu heads into the final matchday with one clear mandate, beat FC Platinum and leave nothing to chance.
Another matter which is not history but favours Kaindu is the support in the ground in Kwekwe.
Many football enthuasists will be eager to watch this decisive match which is also a defining moment for Hard Rock.
It is irresistible storyline to be sure ,so is Hard Rock’s own quest for history as a debutant,Kaindu is battling to make it his first also.
The intriguing question is whether Highlanders’ greatest player, Peter Ndlovu, will celebrate his first PSL championship as a head coach with Scotland, or whether the Zambian tactician Kalvin Kaindu will finally achieve redemption and rewrite his own history.
The legendary Madinda Ndlovu ,the brother of the Peter Ndlovu says it’s a tricky one as both teams are equaly good and aiming for the championship.
“This one is a tricky one very difficult to say the least.Both teams are equally good and are capable to win it ,But If Hardrock does not land it they have only themselves to blame.You can’t go to final game leading then you don’t land it”Ndlovu said.
Historically, several foreign coaches have tried their luck in Zimbabwe’s championship marathon, but very few have managed to cross the finishing line.
Among them, Highlanders’ Eddie May stands out, having won the league title in 2001 and 2002.
The list of foreign tacticians who have attempted to conquer Zimbabwean football includes Dutchmen Clemens Westerhof, Pieter de Jongh and Erol Akbay; Zambians Fewdays Musonda, Keegan Mumba, Dick Chama, Freddy Mwila and Tennant Chilumba.
Others include Sean Connor, Egyptian Mohamed Fathy, Brazilian coach Brito, Briton Mark Harrison and Portuguese tactician Paulo Jorge Silva.
Despite their efforts, none managed to deliver the league championship.
Kaindu now has a golden opportunity to become the second foreign coach after Eddie May to win the Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League title since 2000.
Either way, the final day promises to be a defining moment in Zimbabwean football history.