Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS technical director Aristica Cioaba has declared that he will walk away from the Glamour Boys if they fail to finish in the Premier Soccer League’s top four this season.
The Romanian gaffer, who arrived at the Harare giants just over two months ago, made the startling statement in the aftermath of another crushing setback for the Harare giants following their elimination from the Chibuku Super Cup at the hands of FC Hunters on Sunday.
Dynamos had dominated the Chibuku Super Cup for the past three seasons, winning it in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and the penalty shoot-out defeat to Premiership newboys FC Hunters has left the Harare giants reeling.
The cup exit compounded an already disappointing campaign in which DeMbare were also dumped out of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup by lower division side Hwange.
They are also out of the running for the league title, but they aim for a strong finish in the remaining six games of the season.
Cioaba told journalists that anything less than a top-four finish would amount to failure, not only for him, but for everyone associated with the club.
“If it’s not in the top four and the team is number five or number six, I think all the people need to go and give a chance to new staff, another coach and other players,” said Cioaba.
The Romanian insisted that the club has no excuse in terms of resources, praising sponsor AfricaBet for meeting financial obligations and providing adequate support for the team.
“Our sponsor is paying the salary on time; we have no problem with salary. They give the bonus on time; they provide us time to camp, if we need one or two days. They facilitated good training pitch; they improved everything,” said Cioaba.
The coach went even further, suggesting a complete overhaul of the squad if the players fail to meet expectations.
“Also, the players need to understand, if this season you are not fighting and not finishing in the top four, take your bags and go and give a chance to other capable players,” he said.
The Romanian gaffer, however, expressed his admiration for the club and his confidence in DeMbare’s capabilities to claim a top four finish.
Dynamos are currently fifth on the log standings with 47 points, and are separated by one point with fourth-placed Herentals, who they face in their next assignment at Rufaro this Sunday.
“If you look at the league race, it’s only one point or two points difference from the number two, number three or like that.
“If you win three games, it’s possible to finish in the top four, but it needs the players and the executive to stay together to make this possible.
“This is a clear message from me to everybody, and I promise if I do not finish in the top four, I will not continue with the club. I will go. I don’t need anything.
“But I am confident. I like to continue with this club in the future to have more results and finish in the top four,” said Cioaba.
The comments come at a turbulent time for Dynamos, whose season has been overshadowed by off-field instability.
Despite getting their bonuses and allowances in time from sponsors Africa Bet, some players are reportedly up in arms against the executive over unfulfilled dues in signing-on fees.
The management has also been embroiled in constant boardroom skirmishes. Last week, executive committee members Divine Sena and Desmond Bvute were reportedly shown the exit door amid widening divisions within the club’s leadership structures.
Although Cioaba insisted he was not fully aware of the details behind the executive wrangles, he acknowledged that the ongoing disputes could also be affecting the team.
While the coach refrained from taking sides in the administrative conflicts, he called for unity between the executive, supporters and players during the final stretch of the season.
“I don’t know what is happening. I like to concentrate on my job. I am not friends with anyone in the executive. I came here two-and-half months ago. I have the contract with the club, and I always try my best,” he said.
“Yes, maybe this is also the problem with the mental well-being of the players. We see in the media executives fighting, and it’s not like there is unity. Maybe also this is the problem, but I don’t know what the problem is.
“At this moment last season, the team was in relegation. Now we have a chance to finish in the top four.
“Okay, we are out of the two cups. This is football, but it’s not only Dynamos who are out. Maybe it’s because we are a big team, but we need to continue united for the remaining six games in the league.”
The coach also used the opportunity to defend his squad, particularly the new signings who have come under criticism from supporters.
Since his arrival, questions have been raised about the quality of players recruited under his watch, with much focus directed at West African forward Ben Sidibe, who has struggled to make an impact.
“I see many, many people are talking about Sidibe. I took Sidibe because I worked with him in Ghana and he helped me in the league,” he said.
The coach explained that the striker had arrived in Zimbabwe short of match fitness after an extended break in Ghana and needed time to settle.
“The Ghana league had been on break for maybe four months, five months. I thought maybe he’s ready to come here and play and help the team. But you know, it’s too much pressure,” said Cioaba.
