HARARE giants Dynamos are in turmoil ahead of the big Harare derby against bitter rivals Caps United following the resignation of one of the assistant coaches, Murape Murape, yesterday.
There has been trouble in the Glamour Boys’ camp since the team’s inauspicious failure to progress to the group stages of the Caf Confederation Cup after a shootout defeat to Botswana side Orapa United last week.
The Lloyd Chigowe-coached team were within 90 minutes of progressing to the lucrative group stages of the continent’s second tier competition, which would have guaranteed the club a US$400 000 purse after winning the first leg 1–0.
Dynamos lost the second leg by the same scoreline before they were booted out in a penalty shootout.
A few days ago, the club suspended Murape, sporting director Richard Chihoro and team physiotherapist Admire Pataingwa with immediate effect amid allegations of misconduct and gross indiscipline.
Team manager Harry Lusengo, who is the son of Dynamos board chairman, Bernard Marriot Lusengo, faces serious allegations of gross misconduct.
Murape, who was suspended by the club barely a year ago, decided to evade the axe by resigning from the club.
“I am writing to inform you of my immediate resignation from my position as a football coach at Dynamos FC. I feel honoured and privileged to have served the club during this transitional period with my current professional coaches, Lloyd Chigowe and Joel Luphahla, where we managed to steady the team’s performances in the short time in charge,” he said in his resignation letter.
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“However, after discussions with my family, I considered the tense situation between the club’s leadership and myself more so to do with my professional candidness and honesty which has rubbed the wrong areas with the leadership of the club. I have come to terms with the fact that it is in the best interest of everyone that I leave and make way for others.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with such an amazing team and contributing to its success. I have enjoyed my time here and am grateful for the experience and skills I have gained. I am confident that I am leaving the team in a good place and wish them all the best for the future. Thank you again for your support and understanding.”
The fate of Chihoro and Pataingwa will be sealed by the club when they appear before the disciplinary committee.
Despite the challenges facing the club, Dynamos managed to pull off a 2-1 win over Herentals FC, a league match at Rufaro on Saturday as they push for a strong finish.
DeMbare are also in the Chibuku Super Cup quarterfinals, where they face Yadah FC as they seek to defend their title and return to the African safari next year.
In the league, Dynamos currently sit in seventh place with 38 points from 26 games and are unbeaten in the last eight matches as they prepare for the Caps United game on Sunday.
