Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HOW Mine yesterday trained behind closed doors as they plan the downfall of city neighbours and champions Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium on Saturday.
The other Castle Lager Premier Soccer League derby will feature Highlanders and Tsholotsho at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
The gold miners chose to train behind closed doors to “counter any spying mission” by the Gamecocks.
All gates at Luveve Stadium, where How Mine were training, were locked when a Chronicle Sport crew arrived at the venue and the stadium’s caretaker said he was under strict instructions not to let anyone in.
Coach Kelvin Kaindu confirmed that they deliberately locked the gates “because we were doing tactical training and when we do that, we normally don’t allow just anyone inside”.
The Zambian said derbies are always emotional and unpredictable.
“It’s a derby and as usual a lot is at stake, but we aren’t complaining although Chicken Inn have an upper hand before the match.
‘‘They’re on top of their game, winning matches and recently beat giants Highlanders in a cup final and that shows they’re motivated,” said Kaindu.
“Because of the derby, we locked our gates as we were doing tactical training.
‘‘We wouldn’t want anyone just coming in and seeing our strategy.
‘‘I must, however, stress that the media is always welcome to our sessions as long as we know in advance that you’ll be coming to cover our training,” said Kaindu.
He said there was not much the coaches could do when it comes to derbies, as the players were naturally motivated to have bragging rights.
“The players know each other; they’re friends.
‘‘In a derby, it’s always a tight game, never open.
‘‘We’re preparing well and are injury free, except for Nelson Tachi, who was injured last season.
‘‘Timothy January is back in training and I think he’s ready for action,” said Kaindu.