Dynamos are expected to appoint Romanian coach Aristica Cioaba as their new coach today, moving swiftly to replace Genesis Mangombe following a dramatic and acrimonious fallout at the Harare giants.
Mangombe was suspended on Tuesday afternoon alongside his entire backroom staff following a litany of serious misconduct allegations which include match-fixing, gross insubordination, and the forced use of ritual charms, or juju, on players. The coaching merry-go-round has spun rapidly since, with reports suggesting Mangombe has already joined Triangle, just 24 hours after his dismissal.
Dynamos’ executive appears equally determined to turn the page.
The club is on the verge of announcing Cioaba, a well-travelled UEFA Pro License holder with extensive coaching experience across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The Romanian’s nomadic career includes three separate stints at the Ghanaian Premier League side Aduana Stars, a spell at the Tanzanian giants Azam, and coaching roles in Bangladesh, Oman, Jordan, and Kuwait.
His CV also boasts assistant roles at continental heavyweights Al-Masry of Egypt and the Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca.
Sources at Dynamos indicated that the club had initially intended to rope in Cioaba as a technical director to work alongside Mangombe’s technical team before their relationship completely deteriorated this week.
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The Romanian is already in the country and was spotted in the stands at Barbourfields during Dynamos’ 1-1 draw against Highlanders at the weekend.
While Mangombe had been credited with stabilizing a club that narrowly survived relegation on the final day of last season, sources said the executive did not believe he was the man to take them to the next level. The hierarchy felt he lacked the experience and mojo required to manage a club of Dynamos’ stature and challenge for the title.
The executive reportedly grew increasingly anxious that the former Triangle coach was not equipped to guide the team through the CAF Confederation Cup later this year.
Mangombe leaves the Harare giants sixth in the table with 30 points, 10 behind the league leaders, Scottland, after 19 matches.
However, Dynamos retain a game in hand from their abandoned fixture against Hardrock, which is currently awaiting a Premier League determination.
The club has already initiated the application process for Cioaba’s work permit, and an official announcement will be made as soon as the paperwork is finalized. Meanwhile, Dynamos are reportedly in talks with a former club coach and player, who currently heads a rival league side, to serve as Cioaba’s assistant.
The hierarchy is now racing against time to finalize the new technical setup ahead of Sunday’s fixture against Bulawayo Chiefs at Rufaro Stadium.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Matchday 20 fixtures
Friday: Scottland v Manica Diamonds (Rufaro).
Saturday: Simba Bhora v TelOne (Wadzanayi), Chicken Inn v Hardrock (Luveve), Zpc Kariba v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Nyamhunga), Fc Platinum v Hunters (Mandava), Mwos v Highlanders (Ngoni), Caps United v Triangle (Rufaro).
Sunday: Agama v Herentals (Wadzanayi), Dynamos v Bulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro).