Kelvin Kaindu, a Zambian coach has guided Hardrock Football Club to their first-ever Chibuku Super Cup semifinal after a 1-0 quarterfinal victory over Scottland Football Club on Wednesday.
Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini scored the decisive goal in the 12th minute to send the Kwekwe-based side through, ending Scottland’s run in the competition.
Scottland went into the match on the back of their progression to the CAF Champions League pre-group stage round but could not find a response to Dlamini’s solitary strike.
The victory extends Hardrock’s unbeaten run to nine matches in all competitions, with the club also having scored in each of those games.
Kaindu, who is guiding Hardrock through their first season in the top flight, is also second on the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League table, trailing Scottland by one point.
Last season, Kaindu guided his former side, Dynamos Football Club, to win the Super Chibuku Cup.
“We are in it” – Kaindu.
Speaking after Wednesday’s quarterfinal victory, Kaindu said consistency had been key to Hardrock’s impressive run.
“I think the most important thing is the consistency that we have shown. We have won all our nine last games. We have been able to score all the games that we have played,” Kaindu said.
Kaindu said Hardrock’s initial objective was to remain in the Premier Soccer League, but their recent form has raised hopes of going all the way in the Chibuku Super Cup.
“We are in it. Our objective was to stay in the premier league, and slowly we seem to be getting closer and closer to getting to the final,” he said.
He challenged his players to maintain their momentum and push for a place in the final.
“If we can push as much as possible to get to the final and then give it our all, anything can happen in the final,” Kaindu said.
Hardrock are aiming to finish strong in two cup competitions as well as the league title race against Scotland Football Club.
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