HIGHLANDERS interim coach, Try Ncube , is optimistic about the team’s performance despite a series of poorresults since the departure of Kelvin Kaindu.
Kaindu, now with relegation-threatened Dynamos, was let go in June following a goalless draw with Chicken Inn and back-to-back home defeats to Herentals and Simba Bhora.
Since Ncube took over, the Bulawayo-based giants have secured only one win in seven games, along with three draws and three defeats.
Their sole victory was against GreenFuel, while they drew with Kwekwe United, Triangle and Ngezi Platinum Stars, and lost to MWOS, Scottland FC and Caps United.
His eighth game in charge is against TelOne at Emagumeni on Sunday.
Supported by assistant and Warriors legend Agent Sawu, Ncube believes the team is playing well and creating opportunities, even if the goals aren't coming.
“Pressure is always there; you cannot run away from it in football, but it’s how you manage it,” Ncube said.
“Right now, everything is under control because we are confident of turning things around. We are positive, and the boys are confident of getting the desired result.”
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He added that he has been impressed with his players' fighting spirit, even in games where they haven’t gotten the results.
“We have created a lot of chances that we have not managed to bury,” he noted. “Sometimes you draw a game that you don’t deserve to draw or lose a game that you don’t deserve to lose, but that’s football.”
Former Bosso coach Pieter de Jongh was spotted at recent games against Caps United and Ngezi Platinum.
He has been tipped to take over from Kaindu and is awaiting his work permit, which sources say could be approved this week.
Ahead of the TelOne match, Ncube said the postponement of the Chibuku Super Cup’s first round was a “blessing in disguise,” giving the team extra time to fine-tune their play, especially in converting chances.
“I hope this weekend we can manage to score and win a game,” he said. TelOne are a very strong side. They are getting good results and are high on the log standings, which shows that they are a tricky side, and we know that. We are going to do our best to make sure we get the results that we need.”
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matchday 25 fixtures
Today: Scottland v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro).
Tomorrow: Chicken Inn v Manica Diamonds (Luveve), MWOS v Simba Bhora (Ngoni), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Bikita Minerals (Baobab), GreenFuel v Herentals (GreenFuel Arena).
Sunday: Caps United v Yadah (Rufaro), Triangle v FC Platinum (Gibbo), Highlanders v TelOne (Barbourfields), Kwekwe United v Dynamos (Ascot).
