Harare football giants Dynamos have suspended head coach, Genesis Mangombe pending investigations into a series of allegations, including insubordination, use of juju and alleged match manipulation.
The club communicated the decision to Mangombe on Tuesday, directing him to stop reporting for duty with immediate effect while investigations are conducted.
Mangombe’s assistants, Newsome Mutema and Tonderai Marume, as well as goalkeepers’ trainer Britto Gwere, are also facing disciplinary charges.
In the meantime, former Zimbabwe international midfielder and current team manager Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda has been tasked with overseeing the team’s preparations ahead of Sunday’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against Bulawayo Chiefs at Rufaro Stadium.
In a letter addressed to Mangombe, Dynamos chief executive officer, Desmond Bvute outlined several allegations against the coach, with the club citing a confrontation at Glamis Arena on June 18 as one of the incidents that prompted disciplinary action.
According to the club, Mangombe is accused of insubordination after allegedly disrespecting members of the executive committee during a post-training meeting.
“It is alleged that on 18 June 2026, at Glamis Arena, you were summoned to attend a post-training technical meeting after the team’s training session. During the said meeting, you were advised of some of the allegations that had been made against you,” reads part of the letter.
The club alleges that goalkeeper Idrissou Nfor Finia and other players raised concerns that they were being compelled to participate in rituals before matches.
“Similar allegations had been previously raised against you by Christopher Netty and Dynamos senior players through their captain Stanley Billiat, who also alleged that if a player refused to bathe in juju as per your directive, they would not be allowed to play on matchday,” the letter states.
Dynamos further alleges that Mangombe reacted angrily during the meeting and informed club officials that he was no longer interested in continuing as head coach.
“You also told them that you no longer wanted to continue as the Dynamos FC Head Coach and walked away, leaving members of the Dynamos Executive Committee and others in shock,” reads the communication.
The club claims such practices have negatively affected morale within the squad.
“Some players are now demoralised as they do not hold or share your traditional belief systems,” the club said.
More significantly, Mangombe is facing allegations of match manipulation, accusations that could potentially attract the attention of football authorities if substantiated.
“It is alleged that you were involved in game manipulation of results wherein Dynamos FC would either lose the games or at least draw, avoiding a win result,” the letter alleges.
The allegations relate to several matches played this season, including fixtures against Scotland FC, Highlanders, FC Hunters and CAPS United.
Dynamos also accuses the coach of repeatedly violating match-day procedures.
“It is alleged that you continuously violated a directive given to you by the Chief Security Officer not to instruct players to go round the entire pitch when doing their warm-up before the game,” the club stated.
The club further alleges that Mangombe failed to submit post-match technical reports despite repeated reminders from management.
“It is alleged that ever since you became head coach at Dynamos FC, you were told that you must always submit your post-match reports to the Club CEO, but you have either refused, failed or neglected to do so notwithstanding several reminders,” reads the letter.
Dynamos argue that the allegations, particularly those relating to alleged match manipulation and use of juju, have the potential to damage the reputation of both the club and the sport.
“Your alleged conduct, especially in relation to match-fixing, game manipulation and use of juju, brings the name of Dynamos FC and the sport of football into disrepute,” the club said.
Announcing the suspension, Bvute said the move was necessary to allow investigations to proceed without interference.
“The suspension will pave way to allow further investigations into the plethora of allegations raised against you without any interference,” he said.
Mangombe had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of writing. Dynamos are expected to announce a disciplinary hearing date in the coming days as the club seeks to establish the facts surrounding the accusations.
