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Langton Nyakwenda
Sports Reporter
IDEALLY, the Dynamos camp would have been priming for their blockbuster Castle Lager Premier Soccer encounter against old enemies Highlanders at Rufaro Stadium next Sunday.
But DeMbare are in turmoil.
A strike by their players entered its third day yesterday and the situation could get worse in the run-up to Bosso’s visit to the capital.
Dynamos’ showdown against Highlanders is the biggest fixture in the domestic Premiership.
The last time these two giants clashed at Rufaro was back in November 2019, when the contest ended 1-1.
After that, the old Mbare venue was closed for renovations that never seemed to end; the refurbishment stretched for five years.
Just when football fans were relishing the return of the Battle of Zimbabwe to Rufaro, DeMbare have plunged into a crisis that could see coach Genesis Mangombe having to make do with an ill-prepared side.
The players are demanding outstanding bonuses and signing-on fees.
The team has reportedly not paid any bonuses this season and players say they will only train once they get paid.
“We are chilling at home and we have told the coach he can only send us a training programme when we get paid. What’s dangerous is that the executive has remained mum on the issue,” said one player who chose to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation.
Dynamos are experiencing a financial crisis, despite having sponsorship from Sakunda Holdings.
The energy giant only pays salaries, while the Dynamos management is expected to chip in with the winning bonuses.
The situation has been so bad that the team failed to camp for last week’s league match against Green Fuel, which they won 1-0 via a late goal by substitute Sadney Urikhob at Rufaro.
Dynamos chairperson Moses Maunganidze has maintained that there is no crisis at the club. He instead claims they had given their players some time off, owing to a mid-season PSL break.
“There was miscommunication,” he said.
“The coach advised of a break and we were meant to have our mid-season great indaba, which is underway, so there was no training.”
But conversations with the players point to a serious crisis that has seen morale in the dressing room hitting rock bottom.
The Harare giants have also been less than convincing in their league games.
They have nine draws in 17 matches.
Four of their five wins have come against newly promoted sides Bikita Minerals, TelOne, Chegutu Pirates and Arenel Movers.
Some key players have been pushing for an exit, while others are faking injuries to avoid “playing for nothing”.
Midfield workhorse Tanaka Shandirwa has been angling for a return to his parent club Yadah Stars. The diminutive midfielder still has six months left on his one-year deal with DeMbare.
Dynamos pay a winning bonus of US$100, which rises to US$200 when they play against top teams like Ngezi Platinum Stars, CAPS United, FC Platinum and Highlanders.
Bosso are reportedly paying about US$250 as winning bonus, thanks to their sponsorship deal with Better Brands.
While there is tranquility at Highlanders, results have not been forthcoming.
They completed the first half of last season without a defeat. However, this season, Bosso have already lost three times during the same period. They lost 2-0 to Yadah Stars at Heart Stadium last weekend.
Bosso have just one win in their last eight games and are eight points behind log leaders FC Platinum.
But form and off-the-field issues do not usually become a factor when Dynamos and Highlanders collide.
In fact, DeMbare have somehow been dangerous to their opponents when they are in a crisis.
Despite the off-field challenges at Dynamos, fans can expect a blockbuster at Rufaro next weekend, as the Battle of Zimbabwe returns to the ceremonial home of football after five long years.
“It’s a clash that we always savour as players, but motivation is also key. We hope the executive will address the issue because at the end of the day, people will judge us and the coach incorrectly. Dynamos fans should know that we have issues and this is affecting our performances,” said another player.
Online Reporter