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Mukudzei Chingwere Sports Reporter
PREMIERSHIP newboys Nichrut have opened negotiations with Dynamos coaching target Philemon Mutyakureva, with a view to engaging him to lead the team in the relegation dogfight for the last five games of the season in the absence of injured John Nyikadzino.

Mutyakureva was on top of the DeMbare’s wish list following the sacking of Lloyd Mutasa last month, but the youthful gaffer reportedly turned down the offer and the Harare giants turned to Lloyd Chigowe. The Shurugwi-based side are not safe from the chop and their technical department has been recently handicapped, with Nyikadzino virtually ruled out for the rest of the season to recover from injuries he sustained in a car accident recently.

Nyikadzino was involved in a car crash along the Shurugwi-Gweru Highway on his way to Ascot Stadium where his side was due to host Harare City in a league game last month. He was discharged from hospital yesterday, but his club have been left in a corner of bother without his technical expertise ahead of the league run-in.

Club chief executive Admire Hapazari last night told The Herald they have opened negotiations with Mutyakureva to save the team from the drop. “The good news is that coach Nyikadzino has been discharged from hospital and we want to thank everyone who has been supporting us during this period, ZIFA, PSL, CAPS United, Chapungu, FC Platinum, all the teams in the Central Region Division One and a number of football stakeholders have all been supportive.

“Although the coach has been discharged, I do not think he will be immediately available, but the doctors will give us direction. For now we have opened negotiations with Mutyakureva to take charge of the team on a caretaker basis.”

Hapazari said if Nyikadzino recovers, he will continue as the head coach and Mutyakureva will be his assistant.