The Sunday Mail
HOW MINE coach Kelvin Kaindu spoke in parables soon after his side had confirmed a Chibuku Super Cup final date with Philani “Beefy” Ncube’s Harare City.
The insinuation of his post-match comments after Chikurupati had dismissed Shabanie Mine 3-1 at Barbourfields last weekend was that the Sunshine Boys use juju.
“We are playing a team that believes in other things that is their strength but for us I think we worship God and we trust in the Almighty,” Kaindu was quoted saying.
“For this is a battle that has started and I think there will be many issues to come up, football being played in the night. There will be battles on the field of play and battles outside the field of play.
“We are waiting to see because there is a lot involved before and during the match. I hope God will be on our side. ”
Kaindu’s comments had a familiar ring. The Zambian read from the same script the last time he faced Ncube in a cup final. In November 2013 the two coaches clashed in the Mbada Diamonds Cup final with Kaindu – who was with Bosso then – prevailing over a How Mine side that had Ncube calling the shots.
After the 3-0 win Kaindu described the final as a battle between two spiritual worlds and hailed God for delivering the win.
Earlier, Bulawayo-based prophet Blessing Chiza had “prophesied” that Bosso would beat How Mine if they avoid “using juju like the team they are facing”.
“The team that will play Highlanders can climb the mountain, walk down the valley and visit any traditional healer to win the cup but God said the cup is for Highlanders,” Chiza famously said ahead of a final Bosso won 3-0.
Fast-forward four years Kaindu and Ncube will cross paths again in the Chibuku Super Cup final.
The script has not changed much but the sequel features a Ncube who this time does not take the barbs lying down.
“He claims to be holy and says I am a juju man. So if he is a man of God then he should pray for me to leave juju. Let us not be blasphemous but I have nothing against him. I say what I say because I am a confident coach and not because I use juju,” said Ncube. Clearly, there is no love lost between Kaindu and Ncube.
