Zimbabwe Coach Suspected of Match-Fixing and Witchcraft Rituals

^{Pictured: Genesis Mangombe, Dynamos FC Head Coach}

Zimbabwean football club Dynamos have temporarily suspended head coach Genesis Mangombe pending an internal investigation, NewZimbabwe reported.

The main allegations relate to suspected match-fixing.

According to Dynamos, the coach may have been involved in situations in which the team lost matches or failed to see out games they were in a position to win.

The club’s letter lists four matches under suspicion: Dynamos lost 0-5 to Scottland, were beaten 0-1 by Highlanders, drew 2-2 with Hunters and lost 1-2 to CAPS United.

A separate part of the allegations concerns rituals. Players complained that Mangombe allegedly forced them to take part in such practices before matches. The letter refers to “bathing” or “washing in juju” — a term used in the local context for witchcraft rituals and charms believed to have magical power. The letter does not specify exactly what the players were allegedly required to do.

The club also claims that the coach may have taken individual players’ kit, sent it for use in rituals and returned it only before matches. According to complaints from players, refusing to take part in such practices could have cost a player his place in the squad.

The allegations have not yet been proven. Dynamos are conducting an internal investigation, after which the coach is expected to be given an opportunity to respond to the claims.