No more excuses: Dynamos’ Caf withdrawal a call for leadership change

Stanford Chiwanga, [email protected]

DYNAMOS’ recent decision to pull out of the Caf Confederation Cup is not merely a missed opportunity for continental glory; it is a damning indictment of the club’s leadership under Bernard Marriot.

This disheartening retreat from the continental stage, starkly attributed to debilitating financial constraints, presents an alarming and frankly embarrassing contrast, particularly when their fiercest rivals, Highlanders, are currently basking in the glow of a substantial US$1 million sponsorship from business magnate Wicknell Chivayo.

The withdrawal, far from being solely about monetary woes, exposes a deeper malaise within the club — a systemic lack of professionalism and gross incompetence at the highest administrative levels.

It reflects a profound absence of strategic foresight, woefully poor planning, and an apparent disconnect between Dynamos’ historical ambitions and its current, lamentably inadequate administrative capacity.

One cannot forget that just last season, Dynamos were tantalisingly close — a mere 90 minutes away — from the highly lucrative group stages of the same competition, a potential US$400  000 windfall that slipped through their grasp after a painful penalty shootout defeat to Orapa United.

That agonising failure, while painful, should have served as a powerful rallying point, a critical lesson learned, and a springboard for renewed determination. Instead, it seems to have merely highlighted the administrative fragility and the inability to capitalise on sporting near-misses.

The inability to leverage such a high-profile participation, even in defeat, into tangible commercial gains or structural improvements speaks volumes. A truly professional setup would have seen robust post-mortems, aggressive pursuit of new revenue streams, and meticulous planning to avoid a repeat.

Instead, we see a club that appears to react rather than strategise, perpetually caught in a cycle of short-term fixes and public excuses.

This pervasive lack of professionalism damages the Dynamos brand, erodes trust among potential sponsors, and ultimately sabotages any genuine efforts to compete at an elite level.

While Highlanders are now able to invest in their future, build capacity, and project an image of stability and ambition, Dynamos have chosen to shrink from the spotlight. This capitulation sends ripples of profound disillusionment through their vast and loyal fan-base and inevitably demoralises their players, who train tirelessly for opportunities that management seemingly cannot secure. The contrast in administrative acumen, proactive engagement with potential partners, and ultimately, success in securing crucial backing, could not be starker.

Highlanders’ recent sponsorship is not just luck; it is a direct consequence of perceived good and a professional approach that Dynamos currently lacks.

If Dynamos are genuinely serious about reclaiming their rightful status as Zimbabwe’s undisputed footballing giants, a seismic shift is imperative.

They must confront and decisively address the pervasive rot at the very top. In football, as in any major organisation, strong, competent, and visionary leadership matters immensely.

And right now, the leadership at Dynamos is, unequivocally and glaringly, letting the club down. The time for introspection, a complete overhaul of administrative practices, and decisive action is long overdue if the Glamour

Boys are to escape from this regrettable self-imposed exile from African football and rebuild their once formidable legacy.