Dynamos players returned to training on Friday after boycotting sessions on Wednesday and Thursday to protest unpaid winning bonuses and signing-on fees.
The sit-in had put their upcoming Chibuku Super Cup semifinal clash against Manica Diamonds at Rufaro Stadium in jeopardy.
Following a meeting with the club’s leadership, the players agreed to resume training. However, the situation took a turn for the worse on Friday morning when the club suspended Tanaka Shandirwa.
In response, the entire squad vowed to continue their protest, refusing to return to training until the suspension was lifted.
It wasn’t until the club reversed Shandirwa’s suspension that the players agreed to return to practice.
Meanwhile, the club’s executive has assured the players that their winning bonuses will be paid at the end of the season.
Players who spoke to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200034119/dembare-players-end-strike">NewsDay</a> on Thursday claimed they were owed approximately US$500 each, in addition to outstanding signing-on fees.
However, club chairperson Moses Maunganidze denied the claims regarding signing-on fees, confirming only that they do owe bonuses, adding that an agreement is in place to address the issue. He said:
<blockquote>
Yes, we owe the players winning bonuses for about five games. However, the agreement was to pay them once-off at the end of the season.
If you still remember, we paid them winning bonuses for the first half of the season in June-July as a once-off payment.
Then we agreed with them to do the same for the second half of the season at the end of the term.
We are shocked to see them staging a sit-in for a matter that we thought had been addressed.
</blockquote>
The Chibuku Super Cup is now the only title Dynamos can aim for this season, as they are out of contention for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.
Last season, DeMbare secured the Chibuku Super Cup by defeating Ngezi Platinum 2-0 in the final, earning a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup. However, they were eliminated by Orapa United of Botswana.
Winning the Chibuku Super Cup again would grant the Glamour Boys a quick return to the CAF Confederation Cup.
In the other semifinal, last season’s finalist Ngezi Platinum Stars will face Simba Bhora at Baobab Stadium this Saturday.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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Players from Dynamos stopped practicing because they weren't paid their bonuses and fees. They almost missed an important match. The players went back to training after a meeting but got angry when a player was suspended. They only returned to playing after the suspension was lifted. The club says they will pay the bonuses at the end of the season. This is the only title Dynamos can win this season. Last season they won a cup but lost in a later match. If they win this cup again, they can play in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Dynamos Players End Training Boycott

Dynamos has suspended midfielder Tanaka “Kante” Shandirwa, without pay and benefits, with immediate effect, allegedly for bringing the Club into disrepute.
According to a letter addressed to Shandirwa, signed by Dynamos’ Secretary General Webster Marechera, the Acting Head Coach, Lloyd “Mablanyo” Chigowe recommended the suspension yesterday. Said Marechera:
<blockquote>
Please take note that you are being charged with contravening SI 15 of 200d known as the National Employment Code of Conduct. Section 4(a) of the National Employment Code of Conduct stipulates that ” Any conduct or omission inconsistent with the fulfilment of the express or implied conditions of one’s contract”.
The grounds for the charges which have been building up since the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round matches got to a head on Thursday 24th October 2024 at a meeting held between the Dynamos FC Executive Committee, technical team and players when you publicly displayed disrespect and disdain for the club leadership.
In the premises, your conduct has left the Club with no option but to invoke Section 6(1) of the National Employment Code of Conduct (SI 15 of 2006) and suspend you from work without pay and benefits with effect from Thursday 24th October.
You shall be shortly served with the notification to attend a disciplinary hearing, which notification shall fully spell out the allegations and subsequent charges as provided for in the National Employment Code of Conduct.
During your period of suspension, you are not allowed to visit any of Dynamos FC facilities, including the training ground at Alexandra Sports Club, offices at the National Sports Stadium or even phone any of the Dynamos FC players, technical officials or Executive Committee Members.
</blockquote>
According to Soccer24, Shandirwa’s suspension letter was delivered to the midfielder by one of Dynamos’ “bouncers” on Friday morning.
DeMbare players initially wanted to train but then decided not to in solidarity with their teammate.
<div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a">
<div dir="auto">Meanwhile, Marechera, whose name and signature are on the letter, told Soccer24 that he didn’t write it.</div>
</div>
Shandirwa’s suspension comes as Dynamos players have boycotted training for two consecutive days in protest over unpaid winning bonuses and sign-on fees.
This strike has disrupted the team’s preparations for their Chibuku Super Cup semi-final match against Manica Diamonds, scheduled for Sunday at Rufaro Stadium.
The Chibuku Super Cup is the only title Dynamos can win this season, as they are no longer in the running for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.
Last season, DeMbare clinched the Chibuku Super Cup trophy by defeating Ngezi Platinum 2-0 in the final, earning the right to represent Zimbabwe in the CAF Confederation Cup.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Dynamos soccer team suspended player Tanaka Shandirwa without pay for disrespecting the club. The suspension came after a meeting where Shandirwa showed disrespect to the club leaders. He cannot go to training or contact other team members during the suspension. His teammates supported him by refusing to train too. The team is already facing issues with unpaid bonuses and fees. The suspension affects their preparation for a match against Manica Diamonds. This match is important because it is their last chance for a title this season. Last season, they won the Chibuku Super Cup.

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