Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
BERNARD Marriot’s dramatic decision to dissolve Dynamos’ executive committee has ripped open deep divisions among the Glamour Boys’ faithful, with some hailing the move as long overdue while others insist it skirts the real issue — the ownership and governance crisis at the very top of the Harare giants.
The Christmas Eve dismissal of the executive led by Moses Maunganidze was the latest twist in a saga that has seen Dynamos lurch from one crisis to another in recent seasons. The club only escaped relegation on the final day of the campaign and has endured relentless boardroom turbulence without converting change into success on the pitch.
Marriot’s axe fell on Maunganidze and his lieutenants – vice-chairman Clemence Chimbari, treasurer Justice Mubayi, marketing and media committee member David Chikomo and long-serving secretary-general Webster Marechera. A new executive is expected to be unveiled imminently, with former vice-chairman Vincent Chawonza widely tipped to lead the charge, though Marriott has remained tight-lipped on names.
Behind the scenes, the incoming leadership is already reported to be working on identifying a new coach and recruiting players ahead of the 2026 season. Dynamos are in the market following the departure of Kelvin Kaindu, who steadied the ship after a disastrous spell under Lloyd Chigowe and Saul Chaminuka, and guided the Glamour Boys to a historic third consecutive Chibuku Super Cup triumph. Yet while the administrative wheels are turning again, the fan base remains split down the middle. For some, Marriot’s intervention was a necessary jolt after years of stagnation. Tatenda Matanga did not mince his words.
“Firstly the move to dissolve the executive was long overdue as they had failed to discharge their duties for the good of the club. Maunganidze and his team failed to implement any project for the club, like club shop, bus and club house. They also failed to lure new sponsors to the club and ended up relying on Sakunda who have been there for a long time.”
Matanga also pointed to the loss of players and the poor administration of junior and women’s teams, but insisted the decision raised even bigger questions. “However, as much as the executive deserved to go, it is the legitimacy of Bernard Marriot and ownership of Dynamos that needs to be solved,” he said, questioning reports of a possible takeover and asking why changes were being made amid negotiations.
“Still, the most important issue that needs to be solved first is Bernard Marriot issue. Is he the legitimate majority shareholder of Dynamos? That is what we need to address.”
That scepticism is echoed by fans who believe the club’s problems cannot be solved by simply changing faces on the executive committee. Edward “Kushman” Makusha was blunt in his assessment.
“Its a one man show. I feel Marriot acts as a ‘godfather,’ making decisions without proper board consultation, creating a dysfunctional system where he is the sole authority. All the problems at Dynamos are not because of the executive but Marriot himself is the biggest problem. He is running the club like a tuckshop.”
Clayton Mucheukwa also questioned the logic of repeated reshuffles. “The club has replaced numerous executives and cycled through several chairmen, yet none of those changes have translated into a league title or meaningful progress. This shows that the problem runs deeper. The real challenge lies with the club’s ownership. Address that at the top, and the rest of the structure will finally start to work.”
Others, however, have rallied behind Marriot, arguing decisive action was needed to halt Dynamos’ decline. Trust Jim welcomed the move. “Congratulations Marriot for such a bold decision, it was long overdue. Hope the coming leadership will takes us through to greater heights.”
Not all support is uncritical. Blessing Marangwanda pointed to a history of boardroom exits and dismissals that have failed to deliver lasting change.
“We have seen this movie before. These moves haven’t exactly yielded results, have they? Maybe it’s not the exec team that’s the problem, maybe it’s time for Marriot to move. The real question is: who’s calling the shots at Dynamos? Let’s address the ownership issue.”
As Dynamos brace for yet another reset, with key players attracting interest elsewhere and a new coach still to be appointed, the mood among supporters is one of weary anticipation. Whether Marriot’s latest intervention signals genuine renewal or simply another chapter in a familiar cycle may depend less on who occupies the executive seats and more on whether the long-simmering questions over control and legitimacy are finally confronted.
Bongani Ndlovu