Bulawayo Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino admitted that the ongoing uncertainty in the Dynamos camp has complicated his side's preparations ahead of Sunday's Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash at Rufaro Stadium.
The Ninjas will travel to Harare seeking revenge after suffering a 2-0 defeat to the Glamour Boys in the first round meeting in Bulawayo. However, Dynamos' recent coaching turmoil has left Nyikadzino unsure of what to expect from their opponents.
Dynamos suspended the coach "Genesis Mangombe" who guided them to victory over Bulawayo Chiefs just two days ago, with the club yet to officially unveil a replacement. Reports have linked a Serbian coach with the vacant position, creating uncertainty over the team's tactical approach heading into the weekend fixture.
Nyikadzino said the developments have made it difficult for his technical team to analyse and prepare for the match.
"There's a fallout due to the change of coaches according to what we are reading in the papers, so it's going to be very difficult for us to plan for Dynamos. We don't know what we are going to expect. That is all I can say," said Nyikadzino.
He added that the uncertainty surrounding the technical bench means Chiefs cannot rely heavily on previous encounters when formulating their strategy.
"From what we are reading, there's a change of technical personnel, so obviously it becomes difficult for us to prepare. What we have to do is just stick to our game plan and see what happens," he said.
While some may view the instability at Dynamos as an advantage for the visitors, Nyikadzino believes the situation presents more challenges than benefits.
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"I wouldn't say it's an advantage. Currently, I am saying it's a disadvantage. We don't know what we are going to face, which is tricky," he said.
"At this level you should be knowing what you are facing. You know, you're playing against a coach you faced in the first round and you analyse what worked and what didn't. But now it's going to be a different ball game altogether in terms of how we are going to plan."
The Ninjas coach stressed that his side's best option is to focus on their own strengths rather than speculate on how Dynamos will set up.
"What we have to do is stick to our game plan and everything else will take care of itself," he said.
Nyikadzino also dismissed suggestions that his team could be dragged into a relegation battle despite sitting closer to the lower half of the table.
"I wouldn't want to talk of relegation. It's too early. Even teams at the bottom still have a chance to survive," he said.
"We are still assessing our players. Since day one we have never been in the bottom four. For a newly promoted team, I am saying the guys are trying their best and are committed to ensuring that the team stays afloat. It is too early to talk about relegation. Anything is possible for everyone."
Though Dynamos is yet to confirm who will be in charge on Sunday, Bulawayo Chiefs head into the encounter facing a rare challenge, preparing for an opponent whose identity and tactical approach remain largely unknown.
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