Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
JUST three days before Zimbabwe’s biggest domestic football fixture returns to Rufaro Stadium, the Battle of Zimbabwe has been rocked by fresh unrest — this time from within Dynamos’ own ranks. Disillusioned DeMbare supporters, representing major fan chapters across the country, have reignited calls to boycott the team’s home matches, including Sunday’s clash against Highlanders, in protest over the club’s worsening fortunes both on and off the pitch.
At a press conference held in Harare, representatives from the Harare, Bulawayo, and Chitungwiza Chapters, along with the “Seven Million” supporters’ group, reiterated their demand for sweeping reforms — both in the boardroom and on the field.
Harare Chapter acting chairperson Benevolent Karikoga Vono said fans had reached breaking point, accusing the club’s leadership of presiding over a decade-long decline and failing to deliver results.
“As a democratic nation, everyone has the constitutional right to attend or not attend matches. Right now, we are emphasising — it’s a revolution,” said Vono. “A revolution is not won in one day. It can take 20 years; it can take two days. If we truly love Dynamos, we must unite in this call. We must boycott.
“Ask yourself — when was the last time Dynamos charged US$3 for the biggest match in Zimbabwe, the Battle of Zimbabwe? That alone should tell you something.”
Dynamos have managed just one win in 13 matches this season and are teetering in the relegation zone. Their poor form has fuelled fan frustration and eroded confidence in the club’s leadership.
Even the decision to freeze gate charges for Sunday’s high-profile fixture has failed to appease supporters, who insist that only deep structural changes will suffice.
The boycott campaign, which was also attempted during the Harare Derby against CAPS United two weeks ago, remains divisive among fans. While the previous effort drew a lukewarm response, this time the protest appears more organised and determined.
Vono was joined at the briefing by Harare Chapter organising secretary Evernice Chari, Rau Mukucha from the Bulawayo Chapter, Gladys Seve from Chitungwiza, and Seven Million representatives Innocent Mashingaidze, Robisto Machovo, and Nyasha Chiota.
The supporters lamented the club’s long-term decline, citing the absence of a league title since 2014, failure to attract sponsorship, and a recent Fifa-imposed transfer ban over unpaid wages to former Ghanaian players Frederick Ansa Botchway and Emmanuel Paga.
“For 11 years, our club has been on a downward spiral, and we feel the pride and glory of our beloved Dynamos has diminished. Recent tournament wins do not mask the absence of a Premier Soccer League title, which is the true measure of our success. Frequent coaching changes have failed to yield results. Players leave as free agents due to unpaid dues, and now the club is under a Fifa ban,” said Vono.
Supporters also raised concerns about the club’s ownership structure. Board chair Bernard Marriot-Lusengo claims a 51 percent stake, but fans are demanding clarity on the remaining 49 percent.
“We are not trying to take over the club, but we demand accountability from those in charge. The current Board and Executive have failed to meet expectations, and we’ve lost confidence in their leadership.
“We want a competent technical team and effective marketing strategies to elevate the Dynamos brand. We’re not asking Mr Marriot-Lusengo to step down — we simply want transparency. If the courts ruled he owns 51 percent, who owns the other 49? As stakeholders, we deserve to know. Dynamos is more than a club — it represents our tradition and culture. We deserve better,” said Vono.
However, the Dynamos executive has dismissed the boycott as ill-advised. Executive spokesperson David Chikomo called for unity and patience, insisting the leadership is working behind the scenes to resolve the crisis. “I speak as both a supporter and an executive member. As someone who truly loves this institution, I don’t believe in calling for a boycott. My role is to support the team in every way possible. I also don’t believe I have the right to call for changes in the executive. We appeal to Dynamos supporters to come to Rufaro and back their team.
“We understand the frustration over results. We share that frustration. Dynamos should be at the top, not where we are now. The supporters’ concerns are our call to action. We are working tirelessly behind the scenes, and perhaps the second-half of the season will be ours.
“From the executive’s perspective, we are not struggling. We operate like any other club in Zimbabwe. Players are being paid as agreed. Yes, there are occasional breaches, but we always engage with the players to resolve them,” said Chikomo.
