Dynamos have suspended their head coach, Genesis Mangombe, alongside his entire technical team, following a litany of misconduct allegations. The accusations levelled against the technical staff include suspected match-fixing, the forced use of ritual charms (juju), and gross insubordination.
Dynamos confirmed in a statement that they are actively investigating potential acts of match-fixing tied to a string of highly controversial results this season.
Among the fixtures under scrutiny are the heavy 5-0 thrashing by Scottland in the Castle Lager Challenge Cup on March 1, a 1-0 defeat to rivals Highlanders in the Charity Shield, a 2-2 league draw against Hunters, and a bitter 2-1 Harare derby loss to arch-rivals Caps United.
However, it is the allegations surrounding the mandatory use of traditional rituals that have caused the most friction within the squad. Mangombe, who was only appointed at the beginning of the current campaign, reportedly alienated several high-profile players by enforcing spiritual practices that violated their personal beliefs.
At the centre of the brewing controversy is Cameroonian goalkeeper Idrissou Nfor, who is understood to be one of the primary whistleblowers.
According to the official suspension letter, similar grievances were raised by Ghanaian import Christopher Nettey, Malawian midfielder Stanley Billiat, and several other senior members of the playing staff.
"It is alleged that if a player refused to bath in juju as per your directive, they would not be allowed to play on matchday," the club’s executive stated in the suspension letter. "This goes against club policy and individual players' employment contracts. Some players are now demoralized as they do not hold or share your traditional belief systems."
The internal crisis boiled over on June 18 during a post-training technical meeting called by the executive to address the players' complaints. Instead of resolving the impasse, Mangombe allegedly walked out on his superiors.
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Detailing the charges of insubordination, the club wrote:
"You allegedly disrespected members of the Dynamos executive committee who were talking to you during a post training technical meeting by challenging them, showing disregard of their authority. You also told them that you no longer wanted to continue as the Dynamos FC head coach and walked away leaving the members and other attendees in shock."
The club further claims that Mangombe showed a routine disregard for administrative protocol by refusing to submit mandatory post-match reports to the chief executive officer.
Of the 20 matches Dynamos have contested this season, the head coach reportedly provided documentation for just three.
Further compounding the club's frustration was an incident during the Sunday fixture against Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Mangombe is accused of bringing the club into disrepute by "willfully" violating Castle Lager Premier Soccer League regulations.
The coach reportedly instructed his players to warm up across the entire pitch, deliberately intruding into the Highlanders half, despite explicit directives to the contrary from both the league and the club’s chief security officer.
As a result of the sweeping investigations, Mangombe has been relieved of all coaching duties and responsibilities with immediate effect. He has been barred from attending the club's training sessions as the team prepares for their upcoming fixture against Bulawayo Chiefs this weekend.
Mangombe was unavailable for comment, as the terms of his suspension strictly prohibit him from issuing any press statements or granting interviews regarding the matter.
With the club’s hierarchy moving swiftly to cut ties, it appears the weekend draw at Barbourfields was Mangombe’s final act in charge.
Club sources have indicated that Dynamos have already begun the search for a successor, with a Romanian tactician reportedly lined up to take over the helm.
An official announcement regarding the new appointment is expected as early as tomorrow morning.
