Dynamos Football Club has suspended head coach Genesis Mangombe following explosive allegations ranging from match manipulation and the use of juju rituals to insubordination and misconduct, in what could become one of the biggest scandals to hit Zimbabwean football in recent years.
The club confirmed that Mangombe has been relieved of his coaching duties pending the outcome of investigations into several allegations outlined in a suspension letter issued by the club’s board.
Among the most serious accusations are allegations of match-fixing and deliberately influencing team results.
The club claims investigations will examine several matches in which Dynamos suffered disappointing results, including defeats against Scotland FC, Highlanders and CAPS United.
The suspension letter alleges that players were allegedly deployed out of position in certain matches, resulting in poor performances and defeats that raised concerns within the club.
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In another startling allegation, Mangombe is accused of forcing players to participate in traditional rituals before matches. According to the document, some players allegedly complained that they were instructed to bathe in juju before games and that those who refused risked being left out of the team.
The letter further alleges that playing kits belonging to some players were taken for rituals and only returned shortly before matches, a practice the club says violated team procedures and unsettled players.
Dynamos also accuses the coach of insubordination following a post-training meeting with club executives at Glamis Arena. The club alleges that Mangombe challenged members of the executive committee and walked out of the meeting after indicating that he no longer wished to continue as head coach.
Additional accusations include failing to submit post-match reports, allegedly ignoring directives from club officials, and bringing the club’s image into disrepute.
The club has barred Mangombe from attending training sessions, matches and official club events while investigations continue. He will, however, continue receiving his salary and benefits during the suspension period.
In its statement, Dynamos said the investigations would be conducted in an impartial and transparent manner and urged the coach to cooperate fully with investigators.
The allegations have sent shockwaves through Zimbabwean football, particularly the claims involving possible match manipulation and traditional rituals. If proven, the allegations could have serious consequences not only for the coach but also for the club and the domestic game.
Mangombe had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
Editor’s Note: The allegations contained in the suspension letter remain unproven. Genesis Mangombe is suspended pending investigations, and no findings of guilt have been made.
