MWOS FC rocked by internal divisions

Premier Soccer League newcomers MWOS FC are facing allegations of deepening internal divisions, with sources claiming tensions within the club's leadership and technical structures are beginning to affect performances on and off the field.

The allegations emerge at a time when the Norton-based side is battling for consistency in the league despite producing several encouraging displays during the current campaign.

A source close to the club, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that technical director Wilson Mutekede has effectively been confined to working with the club's developmental side, MWOS FC Under-19, following a reported breakdown in relations with members of the senior team's technical department.

According to the source, tensions have escalated to the extent that efforts were allegedly made to create divisions within the first-team coaching setup.

The insider claimed that certain individuals within the club unsuccessfully attempted to persuade assistant coach Joseph Takaringofa, popularly known as "Shabba," to distance himself from head coach Lloyd Mutasa.

The alleged objective, according to the source, was to isolate Mutasa and create circumstances that could ultimately lead to his departure from the club.

However, Takaringofa reportedly rejected the proposal because of his long-standing relationship with Mutasa, which dates back to their playing days at Tanganda FC in the early 1990s.

"Takaringofa vehemently told them he came a long way with Mutasa from their days at Tanganda FC and saw no reason to be part of such a move," the source said.

The allegations come as MWOS FC continues to search for greater consistency in the Premier Soccer League.

Before the weekend fixtures, the club had registered six victories from 18 league matches, a record that has increased scrutiny of the technical department despite performances that some supporters believe deserved better results.

The source claimed that disagreements at executive level have gradually filtered down to the football department, creating uncertainty within the club.

"The problems started at the executive level but have now cascaded down into the football side," the source alleged.

"Some people even believe there are acts of juju at play because the team is not getting results despite playing beautiful football."

The insider also pointed to the team's contrasting home and away form, noting that MWOS have struggled to maximise home advantage despite producing stronger results on the road.

Further claims suggest that disgruntled officials allegedly sought to mobilise sections of the club's supporters to increase pressure on club owner Patrick Tamson to take action against the coaching staff.

"One top executive approached a section of supporters to cause mayhem so that Patrick Tamson would be forced to take action against the coaching staff," the source claimed.

Mutasa's position is also said to have been under scrutiny since the start of the season, despite guiding MWOS FC to an impressive second-place finish in last year's campaign behind eventual champions Scottland FC.

The source alleged that the coach was given a strict five-match target early in the season to justify retaining his position.

Questions have also reportedly been raised within football circles regarding the appointment of Mutekede as technical director, with some observers noting that other experienced candidates were understood to have been considered for the role.

Names reportedly linked to the process included former Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa and former Zimbabwe international goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar.

However, MWOS FC chairman Cleyton Arimoso dismissed the allegations of internal conflict and insisted the club remained united.

"It is not true that there are divisions in our club. If there is anything happening, we will quickly address it so that it does not affect the team's performance," Arimoso said.

"We are happy with our coaching staff, although we always wish for better results. The team has done well despite the injury crises we've faced."

He added that the club remains focused on improving its league position and achieving its objectives for the season.

"Last season we were at the top, but football is dynamic. There is still everything to play for, many games ahead, and we will continue to fight," he said.

MWOS FC currently sit ninth on the Premier Soccer League table with 26 points from 18 matches, having recorded six wins, eight draws and four defeats before the latest round of fixtures.

Whether the allegations prove accurate or not, the claims have placed additional attention on a club seeking to maintain stability while navigating the pressures of life in Zimbabwe's top-flight league.