HARARE, June 24 (NewsDay Live) — Dynamos are set to appoint Romanian coach Aristica Cioaba as their new head coach, moving quickly to fill the vacancy left by Genesis Mangombe following his dramatic suspension this week.
Mangombe and his entire technical team were suspended on Tuesday amid allegations that include match-fixing, gross insubordination and forcing players to use ritual charms.
The fallout has triggered a rapid reshuffle at the Harare giants, with reports indicating Mangombe is already on the verge of joining Triangle United.
Dynamos, meanwhile, appear ready to usher in a new era under the vastly experienced UEFA Pro Licence holder, whose coaching career has spanned Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Cioaba has managed Ghanaian side Aduana Stars on three separate occasions and has also coached Tanzanian outfit Azam FC. His extensive résumé includes stints in Bangladesh, Oman, Jordan and Kuwait, while he has served as assistant coach at Egyptian club Al-Masry and Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca.
Sources at Dynamos said the club had initially intended to bring Cioaba on board as a technical director to work alongside Mangombe’s technical team before relations between the executive and the coach deteriorated.
The Romanian is already in Zimbabwe and was spotted at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday when Dynamos drew 1-1 with Highlanders.
Although Mangombe was credited with stabilising a side that escaped relegation on the final day of last season, club officials reportedly felt he lacked the experience required to take Dynamos back into title contention and navigate the demands of continental football.
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The executive is understood to have harboured concerns about his ability to lead the club in the CAF Confederation Cup campaign later this year.
Mangombe departs with Dynamos sitting sixth on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table with 30 points from 19 matches, 10 points behind leaders Scottland.
The Glamour Boys still have a game in hand following the abandonment of their match against Hardrock, with the matter awaiting determination by the Premier Soccer League.
The club has already begun the process of securing a work permit for Cioaba and is expected to make an official announcement once the paperwork is completed.
Sources also said Dynamos are in discussions with a former coach and player currently in charge of another Premier Soccer League club to serve as Cioaba’s assistant.
Club officials are racing to complete the new technical setup before Sunday’s league encounter against Bulawayo Chiefs at Rufaro Stadium.
