Dynamos Football Club head coach Kelvin Kaindu says winning the Chibuku Super Cup is now his main target to secure qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup, after his side edged ZPC Kariba 4-2 on penalties in a tense quarterfinal clash on Saturday. The match had ended goalless in regulation time.
Kaindu acknowledged that Dynamos’ league campaign has been inconsistent, but believes their cup form gives them a realistic chance of reaching continental competition.
“This is a cup game. With a bit of luck, we could have wrapped up the match in the first half—we created about four or five chances but our conversion rate was not good,” he said. “It’s not easy when you are at home with your fans and the game goes to penalties. It brings a lot of pressure, but I’m proud of how we showed character.”
The veteran coach praised his players’ composure in the shootout and highlighted the confidence they have built in spot-kicks.
“From all the penalties we’ve taken, we’ve only missed one. Even in training, our ratio has been encouraging,” Kaindu said. “Our goalkeeper has always inspired confidence, and today he proved it again.”
Kaindu on midfielder Mukamba
Kaindu also praised experienced midfielder Denver Mukamba, who converted his penalty despite a difficult spell in recent games.
“Denver hasn’t been the best in training when it comes to penalties, but today he volunteered to take the second kick and scored. That kind of confidence lifts the team and excites the fans,” he said.
Kaindu made it clear the Chibuku Super Cup is Dynamos’ best route to the Confederation Cup, especially with the team’s league struggles.
“The aspirations for us to win the league are far away—we are fighting to survive relegation. But this cup gives us a chance to bring a trophy home and qualify for CAF,” he said. “Today’s win gives us confidence and hope. Dynamos are defending champions, and we have the pedigree, especially in penalties. We just need one more step to get to the final.”
Dynamos will now turn their attention to the semi-finals, where they will meet Kaindu’s former side Highlanders – setting up the Battle of Zimbabwe in the Chibuku Super Cup, and with the winner grabbing a coveted spot in African club competition.
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