Curtworth Masango
THE Dynamos leaders breathed a huge sigh of relief after the Glamour Boys squeezed to a 1-0 win over Simba Bhora in a Chibuku Super Cup first round match at Barbourfields on Saturday.
With dark clouds hovering, in the wake of the nasty fallout triggered by the dismissal of coach Herbert Maruwa, the club’s bosses could not afford another week of negative back page headlines.
Interim coach Genesis Mangombe, accused by others of having turned into a Judas Iscariot who took part in the sacking of his boss, was also under the spotlight.
“We simply had to win, no two ways about that and we are happy the players responded very well against tough opposition,” said a Dynamos official, who chose anonymity, because of the toxic atmosphere which is currently prevailing.
“This was a big test for us and failure would have brought back all the negative stuff.”
A goal by Emmanuel Paga, who appeared to have been sidelined by Maruwa, secured them the victory.
Tanaka Shandirwa, who once worked with Mangombe at Yadah,was named man-of-the-match.
Dynamos claimed they parted ways with Maruwa by mutual consent.
However, Maruwa has dismissed that and it appears he could hold on to the club property, including the company car, until the end of his contract in November this year.
“The public must know that there is no grain of truth in that statement.
“The inconsistencies and the contents thereto, are far from the truth. Let this be on record, there is no mutual agreement reached between us at this point.
“Whilst I don’t want to interfere with the club’s intention to disengage with me, the respect of our contractual obligation should continue to subsist to the end.
“It is not in dispute that, as it stands, I am the Head Coach of the club and my contract of employment is still active until November 30, 2023.
“In the event that the retraction is not made timely or within 48 hours, legal action will be commenced without due notice to you and the club,” wrote Maruwa.
In response, Dynamos are reported to be putting together a litany of charges, including extortion, as they seek a way to terminate Maruwa’s contract. without benefits.
“Following the sudden U-turn by former head coach Herbert Maruwa from the mutual separation arrangements both parties had meticulously put together on Wednesday 9th August, Dynamos Football Club has been forced by the unfortunate development to disengage from the finalisation of the mutual separation,” the club said in a statement.
“The club had done everything in good faith and expected the other party to do likewise.
“The mutual separation arrangements were in the best interests of both parties and communication to that effect had been generated and given to the former coach with both parties agreeing on the processing of the terminal dues for Maruwa and return of club property in his possession.
“The club cannot force the former coach to make another U-turn on his wilful disengagement.
“The club is now proceeding with the due termination process which the club had initially not gone for since that option has dire consequences on the other party.”