Norton-based Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfit MWOS FC is walking a tightrope amid damaging allegations of internal divisions, with sources close to the club claiming that structural tensions have severely deepened.
A source speaking on condition of anonymity revealed that technical director Wilson Mutekede has been restricted to working with the club’s Division One developmental side, MWOS FC Under-19.
This shift reportedly follows a breakdown of trust between Mutekede and members of the first-team coaching department.
The source also alleged that certain individuals within the club structure unsuccessfully attempted to persuade assistant coach Joseph 'Shabba' Takaringofa to distance himself from head coach Lloyd 'Samaita' Mutasa.
The alleged objective was to create a hostile environment that would force Mutasa to resign or face the axe, paving the way for the promotion of a Division One coach described as a blue-eyed boy of a top executive and the technical director.
However, Takaringofa reportedly rejected the plot outright, citing his lifelong relationship with Mutasa dating back to their playing days at Tanganda FC in the early 1990s.
“Takaringofa vehemently told them he came a long way with Mutasa from their days at Tanganda FC and saw no reason to be part of such a move,” the source said.
These revelations emerge at a time when MWOS FC is struggling for consistency on the field. Ahead of their trip to TelOne in Gweru yesterday, the club had managed only six wins from 18 league matches—a return that has mounted pressure on the technical team, despite performances that many fans believe deserved better results.
According to the insider, the boardroom friction has begun impacting on-field performance.
“The problems started at the executive level but have now cascaded down into the football side.
“Some people even believe there are acts of juju at play because the team is not getting results despite playing beautiful football.
“The team has managed only four wins at home, yet they regularly collect maximum points when playing away,” the source added.
Furthermore, disgruntled officials have allegedly approached a section of the club’s supporters to instigate unrest and pressure club owner Patrick Tamson into sacking the technical team.
“One top executive approached a section of supporters to cause mayhem so that [owner] Patrick Tamson would be forced to take action against the coaching staff,” the source claimed.
Mutasa’s position has reportedly been under scrutiny since the start of the season.
The source claimed the head coach was initially given a harsh five-match ultimatum to prove his credentials, despite guiding MWOS FC to a phenomenal second-place finish last season in a fiercely contested campaign eventually won by Scottland FC.
“That top executive has never appreciated Mutasa’s work. Imagine giving him just five matches to prove his worth at the beginning of this PSL season after the fantastic job he did last year.
“That executive is just waiting for the opportune time to wield the axe,” the insider alleged.
The controversial appointment of the club’s technical director also continues to set tongues wagging in football circles, with questions being raised over the recruitment process.
“It looks like the appointment of a technical director was meticulously planned to suit a specific agenda that is now unfolding.
“It was a surprise appointment considering highly experienced candidates were shortlisted—including former Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa and legendary Zimbabwe international goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar,” the source noted.
When contacted for comment, MWOS FC chairman Cleyton Arimoso rubbished the claims of internal friction, maintaining that the club remains united and focused on reversing its current fortunes.
“It is not true that there are divisions in our club. If there is anything happening, we will quickly address it so that it does not affect the team’s performance,” Arimoso said.
“We are happy with our coaching staff, although we always wish for better results. The team has done well despite the injury crises we’ve faced.
“Last season we were at the top, but football is dynamic. There is still everything to play for, many games ahead, and we will continue to fight.”
The brewing storm comes at a critical juncture for MWOS FC, who sit ninth on the PSL standings on Matchday 18 with 26 points, having recorded six wins, eight draws, and four defeats before the weekend games.