Some of the Dynamos supporters at Joy Centre, Highfield.
By Julius Idrissa Manganda
Members of Dynamos FC’s supporters Harare Chapter boycotted Sunday’s highly anticipated Harare Derby against CAPS United, instead gathering at Joy Centre in Highfield—near Gwanzura Stadium—to peacefully voice their frustration with the club’s leadership.
The boycott, dubbed “Tears of 7 Million Souls,” drew some of Dynamos’ most passionate and well-known supporters—including Ogege, Masibanda, Xavi, Fish, and Chris Banditi—who led the protest at Joy Centre while the match unfolded at Rufaro Stadium.
Some CAPS United supporters were also seen at Joy Centre, seemingly in a show of solidarity.
The Harare Chapter, the backbone of Dynamos support, faithfully follows the team across the country but this Sunday some supporters chose not to follow their team.
This boycott marks a rare and significant moment in the club’s history, as fans turned their backs on one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic fixtures to express mounting frustration with the administration led by Bernard Marriot Lusengo.
Tensions have reached boiling point following a dismal run in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, where Dynamos have managed just two wins, six draws, and seven losses. Dembare has also scored only 3 goals in nine matches, a dry spell that has worried the Dembare family.
In response to the poor show, the Marriot-led executive recently dismissed the entire technical team led by Lloyd Mablanyo Chigowe, replacing them with a new coaching panel headed by seasoned tactician Saul Chaminuka, who has just left the struggling Kwekwe United.
However, many supporters believe that coaching changes are merely cosmetic and will not resolve the deep-rooted issues plaguing the Glamour Boys.
The disgruntled fans are calling for Marriot’s resignation and a complete transfer of ownership, arguing that he has failed to steer the club in a positive direction since assuming control in 2014.
By law, Marriot is the legal majority shareholder at Dynamos, but many Dembare faithful believe he is the biggest obstacle to the club’s progress.
After over a week of mobilising on social media and other platforms, scores of Dynamos supporters dressed in their iconic blue-and-white colours gathered at Joy Centre in Highfield.
They waved flags, sang protest songs, and voiced their anger at the continued decline of one of Zimbabwe’s most decorated football club.
“As long as Marriot doesn’t listen to us, we won’t attend any Dynamos games,” said Mai Maka, a loyal Dynamos supporter.
“I know he’ll start to feel the impact when Dynamos plays smaller teams with empty stands. Even the upcoming Highlanders match—we’ll boycott that too.”
Chris Banditi, Chairman of the Mambara Chapter, echoed the sentiment saying they choosing to spend the money than attend the match.
“We’re supposed to be at the stadium but with everything happening at the club right now, we’re not happy. That’s why we chose to come here to socialize, braai, and spend the same $3 we would’ve used for entry at the match.”
“Marriot must understand that we love Dynamos. If he truly loves this club, he should appoint passionate Dynamos faithfuls into the executive—not those who are just in it for the money. When Chaonza was in charge, players used to travel by plane, and the team was performing well,” charged Banditi.
He believes it was unfair to sack Mablanyo, arguing that since he had assembled the squad, replacing him midstream would only disrupt the team’s progress and prove detrimental to overall performance.
“This new executive doesn’t represent Dynamos. We lost 10 players from last season, and now they’ve sacked Coach ‘Mablanyo —the same man who assembled the current squad. That only makes things harder for the new coach. This executive must go.”
Sam Benedict Mairosi, another faithful called for dialogue—particularly with former players who understand the club’s culture and legacy.
“We’re asking Marriot to engage former players and form an executive with vision and focus. A big club like Dynamos can’t only have two trophies since 2014—just two Chibuku Super Cup titles. That’s not good enough, and we’re not happy. We won’t return to the stadium until the house is in order.
“We’re not saying we want to own Dynamos, but we are saying the club needs proper direction.”
Another supporter, who identified himself as Kelvin, believes that strong leadership is key to attracting sponsors.
“To be honest with you, Dembare is a big brand, and what’s happening to our club right now is heartbreaking for us as supporters.”
“We’ve been firing coaches over and over, but the real problem isn’t the technical team—it’s the management. If proper leadership is put in place, sponsors will come on board.”
“Dynamos is a big brand. Players from within Zimbabwe and even abroad dream of playing for this team. But now, we’re degrading ourselves. It’s painful to watch.”
For Zimbabwe’s most successful football club to sink to this level is a situation few would have ever imagined.
Founded in 1963, Dynamos FC carved its legacy in Zimbabwean football by setting records, dominating local competitions, and producing some of the nation’s finest footballing talent.
In 1998, Dynamos reached the pinnacle of African football by making it to the CAF Champions League final, narrowly losing to Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas. Though they fell short of the trophy, that historic run remains one of the proudest moments in the club’s illustrious history.
Now, in a stunning twist of fate, the club finds itself embroiled in turmoil. The recent supporter-led boycott—marked by fans ignoring the iconic Harare Derby—will go down as a watershed moment in Dynamos’ modern history.
Once likened to Spain’s El Clásico, the Harare Derby between Dynamos and CAPS United was the undisputed peak of Zimbabwean football. It was a fixture that brought the country to a standstill, showcasing legends like Alois Bunjira, Tauya Murehwa, Joel Mugabe, and Desmond Maringwa—figures who lit up the pitch in the golden era.
Even the following generation kept the rivalry fierce. CAPS United fielded stars like Leonard Tsipa, Raymond Undi, Brian Badza, and the late Blessing Makunike, while Dynamos boasted names such as Murape Murape, Leo Kurauzvione, Norman Maroto, Evans Gwekwerere, James Matola, Francis Chandida, and Justice Majabvi.
These were not just football matches—they were epic encounters brimming with pride, passion, and purpose. Sadly, those days now feel like distant memories as the derby struggles to live up to its once-glorious reputation.
Currently, both Dynamos and CAPS United sit in the bottom half of the Premier Soccer League standings—occupying positions that could genuinely be considered relegation-threatened.
Meanwhile, the Harare derby ended in a 1 all draw at Rufaro stadium, with both new coaches Ian Bakala and Soul Chaminuka securing a point at a time where expectations are very high. Emmanuel Jalai scored from the spot kick while Kundai Benyu gave CAPS United an equaliser with a long range shot that gave the Dembare goalie no chance.
