Just a day before Premiership heavyweights Dynamos have a chance to secure a historic third consecutive Chibuku Super Cup final appearance, unrest has gripped the club. The Dynamos squad has halted training and warned they may boycott their important semi-final match against longtime rivals Highlanders, putting the knockout tournament in jeopardy.
This strike, while not unprecedented in Zimbabwean football, has sparked concerns about the stability of the Chibuku Super Cup. Unlike the calm preparations seen at MWOS and Triangle, the situation at Dynamos remains unsettled and fraught with tension.
Players refused to take part in their final training session ahead of the crucial fixture, citing unresolved financial difficulties that have long impacted the team. Despite reports that funds from supporters were distributed, the players insist they are owed at least US\$1,000 each in outstanding wages and bonuses.
David Chikomo, a marketing board member assigned to mediate between management and players, reportedly informed the squad that no payment schedule could be guaranteed. The players then gave the club a deadline of Saturday midday to clear the arrears, threatening to boycott the semi-final if their demands are unmet.
On the pitch, Dynamos have shown resilience, remaining unbeaten in the second half of the season with six victories and four draws. However, frustration is mounting as their last bonuses were reportedly paid back in August, and communication from club officials has been lacking.
Coach Kelvin Kaindu voiced his concerns over the timing of the players’ protest but remains optimistic that the team can unite for the upcoming match. He highlighted the cup as the club’s primary opportunity to win silverware this season and acknowledged the challenge posed by a motivated Highlanders side.
“We aim to reach the final, but our opponents are strong and desperate for a win given their league struggles,” Kaindu explained. “Despite all that is happening behind the scenes, I trust the players will give their best.”
The leadership of Dynamos, headed by Moses Maunganidze, has faced criticism for failing to adequately address the players’ financial grievances, endangering the club’s chances to defend their Chibuku Super Cup crown. A victory in the semi-final would put Dynamos on the brink of making history as the first team to win the tournament three times consecutively.
This is not the first time such unrest has affected Dynamos ahead of a Chibuku Cup semi-final. A similar strike took place last year before their match against Manica Diamonds, yet the team still advanced to the final after a penalty shootout.
As the semi-final approaches, all attention will be on whether Dynamos can resolve their off-field issues and focus on the game, or if the players’ boycott will disrupt the competition and disappoint fans hoping for a memorable encounter.
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