Online Reporter
Robson Sharuko
Editor
BERNARD Marriot has been pushed into a corner.
Rebellious Dynamos fans, and some of the club’s former players, are piling on the pressure on the beleaguered chairman of the non-existent board of the club’s directors.
After years of sacrificing coaches, who were blamed every time DeMbare struggled on the pitch, the focus now is firmly on Marriot, who has presided over a decade of decay at the country’s biggest football club.
Marriot took over as board chairman in April 2014 when the Glamour Boys had won their third league championship in a row.
They have only won one league title in the 11 years he has been in charge.
The board had members and would hold annual meetings where the performance of the club was religiously analysed.
None of the board chairmen who were there before him allocated themselves shares of the company which runs Dynamos.
But, Marriot gave himself 51 percent of the shares and 49 percent went to people who have been dubbed ghost shareholders.
These people virtually do not exist or, if they do, have no role they play in the running of the club.
The so-called board decisions are effectively one-man band shows and, with DeMbare stuck in relegation zone, after just one win in 11 matches, the fans and some former players are demanding a change and want Marriot to go.
The fans have decided to boycott the Harare Derby against CAPS United at Rufaro on Sunday.
And, former players, led by ex-captain Murape Murape, are also piling on the pressure.
“The people have spoken,” said Murape on his social media platforms. “Join the movement and let’s bring the team back to glory.
‘If you genuinely love the people’s team #BoycottTillTheyLeave. Let’s stand united and demand better for our beloved club. Together, we can make a difference.”
Marriot has said he wants to meet leaders of the fan groups but Murape opposes such a move.
“So he wants to meet supporters to plug the holes in the sinking ship with empty promises. Meanwhile, fans are saying it’s time to get rid of the poor executive, break free from outdated structures and sell while it’s still worth something.
“The old ways haven’t worked, and holding on won’t change the fact that the ship is sinking. And to think he believes Dynamos can still win the league with 23 games left, despite the team’s current struggles, shows he is out of touch.
“He’s talking about the board wanting to meet supporters, but who exactly is this board he’s referring to? Who are the other people in this board? Continuing to lie won’t help, transparency and accountability are needed now more than ever.”
Mathew Masinge
The executive doesn’t play football. In the case of Dynamos,there are over 30 players available. It’s a lie that players perform because of incentives. When players trot onto the field of play their motivation is winning the game because they know success of the team is what guarantees survival. Those who think money is key are not football players but mercenaries pure and simple. At Dynamos there are administrative issues yes but they are completely detached from the performance of the team. Poor coaching is what affects Dynamos on the field.