Bulawayo Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino praised his players after they battled to a goalless draw against Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday, describing the result as a positive achievement for his side.
Before the match, Nyikadzino admitted that the uncertainty surrounding the Dynamos camp had made it difficult for the Ninjas to prepare.
"It is 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 before the game.
Despite the uncertainty, the Bulawayo side executed their game plan well to deny the Glamour Boys, earning revenge of sorts after losing 2-0 to Dynamos in the first-round meeting in Bulawayo.
"I am very happy with the results the boys displayed," Nyikadzino said after the final whistle.
For Dynamos, however, the draw extended their frustrations as they once again failed to find the back of the net, leaving supporters disappointed.
According to a source within the Dynamos technical team, the club's executive had promised the players an improved winning bonus before the match in an effort to lift morale amid the ongoing challenges at the club.
"They did so because of what is happening in the club now. They wanted the team to provide good results so that the situation at the club would not worsen," said the source.
The source added that the mood among the club's leadership had already turned gloomy by halftime.
"During halftime, the faces of the bosses weren't smiling and they didn't even speak about it. That's when we realised that things were really bad," the source continued.
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Dynamos were under the guidance of team manager Ronald "Gidza" Sibanda, who took charge of the team as the club continues to wait for its new coach.
Club chairman Vincent Chawonza confirmed that only work permit issues were preventing the new coach from taking his place on the technical bench.
"Once his work permits are done, they will see him on the technical bench," said Chawonza.
The result further angered Dynamos supporters, who had expected maximum points at home.
"Dembare fans only want wins. If you draw, you become a problem to them," Sibanda admitted after the match.
Another football fan Nyasha Chikore believes the club is paying the price for dismissing former coach Kaka.
"The decision to sack Kaka as Dynamos coach has clearly hurt the team. Goals have become difficult to come by, and the team's attacking identity seems to have disappeared. The executive should take responsibility for this decision, as the results on the pitch are showing just how costly it has been," said Chikore.
Another football supporter, Zivengwa Dondo, warned that the incoming Romanian coach will face immediate pressure from the demanding Dynamos faithful.
"The Romanian coach is going to start on a very bad note. He has to hit the ground running because any negative results will further fuel Dembare fans' anger," said Dondo.
While Bulawayo Chiefs returned to Bulawayo satisfied with a valuable point, Dynamos were left to reflect on another disappointing outing that has only increased pressure on both the players and the club's leadership.
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