The chairmanship of Vincent Chawonza at Dynamos Football Club is reportedly under intense scrutiny after a banner displayed by a section of supporters at Sunday’s league match against Agama FC sparked internal tensions at the country’s biggest football institution.
During the eagerly contested match at Wadzanai Stadium , a group of Dynamos fans unfurled a large cloth sign reading: “Boss Chawonza — The Heart and Soul of Dynamos FC”, accompanied by a printed image of Chawonza himself.
The banner was visibly displayed in the supporters’ section throughout the first half of the game and drew cheers from parts of the crowd.
However, according to multiple sources within the Dynamos boardroom, the gesture did not sit well with Bernard Marriot, the club’s board chair and majority stakeholder.
A senior club insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, told this publication that Marriot was not amused by what he saw as undue personal adulation.
“He felt it was inappropriate for banners to elevate any individual above the club, especially one who has only served in the role for a short period. He reached out to Mr Chawonza by phone shortly after the match,” the source said.
According to the same source, Marriot’s message to Chawonza was blunt: “You must know your position. Your achievements don’t yet justify this level of glorification.”
The source added that Marriot considers such displays potentially divisive within the club’s broader leadership structure.
Attempts to reach both Chawonza and Marriot for comment were unsuccessful by press time. However, a Dynamos FC executive member who also spoke off the record, said the matter had been raised for discussion at the next executive meeting, with some members expressing concern that prolonged public discord could destabilize the club during a crucial phase of the league season.
Supporter groups close to the situation defended the banner, telling reporters that it was meant purely as an expression of gratitude for leadership and commitment.
With Dynamos currently in a tight race for championship honours, observers say internal leadership tensions — if left unresolved — could have ramifications both on and off the pitch.
