Dembare suspends coach over use of juju

Dynamos FC have suspended head coach Genesis Mangombe with immediate effect pending investigations into a series of allegations, including claims that he forced players to undergo traditional rituals before matches and was involved in match-fixing.

The suspension was communicated in a letter issued by the club, which outlined several allegations ranging from insubordination and misconduct to breaches of Premier Soccer League regulations.

According to the club, the decision followed complaints raised by players and other stakeholders regarding Mangombe's conduct.

In the suspension letter, Dynamos said one of the allegations relates to an incident on June 18 at Glamis Arena, where Mangombe was reportedly summoned to a post-training technical meeting after concerns were raised by players.

"During the said meeting, you were advised of some of the allegations that had been made against you by the goalkeeper, Idrissou Nfor Finiar, who alleged that you are forcing players to bath in juju before games," the letter states.

The club said similar allegations had previously been raised by Christopher Netty, senior players through the team captain and Stanley Billiart.

According to the allegations, players who refused to participate in the rituals were allegedly denied opportunities to play on match days.

Dynamos further accused Mangombe of disrespecting members of the club's executive committee during the meeting.

"You allegedly disrespected members of the Dynamos Executive Committee who were talking to you during that post-training technical meeting by challenging them, showing disregard of their authority," the club said.

The most serious accusation contained in the suspension letter relates to alleged match manipulation.

The club said investigations would examine claims that Mangombe was involved in match-fixing arrangements designed to ensure Dynamos either lost matches or settled for draws instead of victories.

No evidence supporting the allegation was disclosed in the suspension notice, and the claims remain under investigation.

Mangombe is also accused of repeatedly violating Castle Lager Premier Soccer League regulations by allegedly ignoring directives issued by the club's chief security officer, Fakero.

According to the club, he continued instructing players to warm up by running around the entire pitch despite being advised not to do so.

The suspension letter also alleges that the coach repeatedly failed to submit mandatory post-match reports to club management.

"Willful failure to submit post-match reports to the Club CEO after every game played by Dynamos FC. It is alleged that ever since you became head coach, you have to date only submitted about three reports in the twenty games played, bringing the sport of football and the name of Dynamos FC into disrepute," the letter states.

During the suspension period, Mangombe has been barred from attending training sessions, matches and all official club activities until investigations are completed.

The development represents another major setback for the Glamour Boys, who are attempting to rebuild after several turbulent seasons.

Mangombe returned to Dynamos FC in January after leaving Triangle United FC, having previously parted ways with the Harare giants in 2024.

Despite recent improvements in results, Dynamos currently sit sixth on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table with 30 points, 10 behind leaders Scottland FC.

The club has not indicated when the disciplinary process will be concluded, while Mangombe has yet to publicly respond to the allegations.