Zanu PF bids to takeover Dynamos

By Lance Guma
01 January 2006

Government ministers and wealthy businessmen linked to Zanu PF are reportedly trying to buy into the country’s biggest football team, Dynamos. In a story published by The Zimbabwean Newspaper, Local Government Minister Ignatius Chombo and Mashonalalnd East Governor Ray Kaukonde are said to be interested in bankrolling the club. The move is seen as part of a broader Zanu PF strategy to win the hearts and minds of the clubs reputed ‘7 million’ supporters.

Another club, Zimbabwe Saints based in Bulawayo, is allegedly being targeted by Mutare businessman and Zanu PF Central Committee member Esau Mupfumi. The plan is to get the two clubs as a vehicle for canvassing support from both the Mashonaland and Matabeleland provinces. Boardroom squabbles at Dynamos have always featured prominent Zanu PF officials but this is the first time any of them have come out publicly to declare their intentions.

Dynamos supporters have in the majority blamed Zanu PF for the mess their club is in. They now have cause to be furious given their suspicions have been vindicated. The Zimbabwean newspaper further reports on how Labour Minister Nicholas Goche, alongside Deputy Information Minister Bright Matonga, attended Dynamos’ celebrations when they survived relegation. Former coach Moses Chunga is said to have lost his job after pointing to this interference. He told journalists there were some members of the executive who were ‘more Zanu (PF) than others,’ a comment which drew a rebuke from Chombo.
Sports journalist Natty Zvimba criticised the move by Zanu PF as divisive. He said it would create friction between Dynamos and supporters of other clubs, especially Bulawayo giants Highlanders and he said it was not in the interest of the game.

The current Chairman of the Dynamos Board of Trustees, Richard Chiminya, is an employee of Amalgamated Motor Corporation owned by Ray Kaukonde. This is the Mashonaland East governor who has also expressed interest in putting money into the club.