Dembare have found themselves in the eye of a storm after FIFA imposed a transfer ban on the club for failing to honor financial obligations to two former players. The ban, which prohibits the Harare-based side from registering new players both domestically and internationally, stems from unpaid dues amounting to a total of US$18,500 owed to Ghanaian duo Emmanuel Paga and Ansa Botchway.
According to reports, Dembare owes Emmanuel Paga US$8,500, while Ansa Botchway is owed US$10,000. Both players severed ties with the club in December 2024 following a tumultuous season and have since moved on to other clubs—Paga signed with Manica Diamonds, while Botchway joined Scottland FC. Their departures came amid a broader crisis within Dembare , which saw widespread discontent among players over financial mismanagement, unpaid bonuses, and unfulfilled contractual promises.
The transfer embargo could not have come at a worse time for Dynamos, who are already grappling with the fallout from a disappointing 2024 season marred by internal instability. The club endured repeated player strikes and training boycotts, with players staging protests over unpaid winning bonuses and long-standing sign-on fees. The off-field unrest significantly disrupted team performance, resulting in poor league results and an early exit from cup competitions.
As frustrations mounted, the situation culminated in a mass exodus at the end of the season, with 15 senior players walking away from the club. Among those who left were key figures in the squad who had formed the backbone of the team in recent years. Their departure has left a significant void in both experience and squad depth, casting a long shadow over the club’s immediate future.
With FIFA’s transfer ban now in effect, Dembare faces serious challenges in rebuilding its team ahead of the upcoming season. The ban restricts the club from registering any new players until the outstanding debts are settled in full. This restriction not only hampers their recruitment efforts but also raises concerns about the club’s ability to field a competitive side in the forthcoming campaign.
Dembare Hit with FIFA Ban
This is not an isolated case in Zimbabwean football.Dembare becomes the fourth local club within the past year to face disciplinary action from FIFA due to contractual or financial breaches involving players or technical staff. Other clubs have similarly faced sanctions for failing to meet their obligations, highlighting a deep-rooted crisis of governance and accountability in the country’s football ecosystem.
Financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and poor contract enforcement remain recurring problems in local football. Player welfare and contract compliance are often treated as afterthoughts, leading to widespread grievances and growing legal battles. FIFA’s increasing involvement in resolving these disputes signals a broader failure by club administrations and local football authorities to adhere to professional standards.
As rival clubs in the Premier Soccer League continue with their preseason preparations, Dembare has remained tight-lipped regarding the transfer ban. No official statement has been released to explain the club’s stance or outline a path forward to resolve the issue. The lack of communication has only fueled speculation and unease among supporters, many of whom are concerned about the club’s preparedness for the new season.
The ban could have serious implications not just for Dynamos’ domestic ambitions, but also for their reputation on the continental stage. Historically one of Zimbabwe’s most successful and popular clubs, Dembare has a rich legacy and a passionate fan base. However, continued administrative failings risk tarnishing that legacy and alienating supporters who expect better leadership and professionalism from those in charge.
In the face of growing pressure, it remains to be seen whether the club’s hierarchy will move swiftly to resolve the dispute and lift the ban. Until then, the fate of one of Zimbabwe’s football powerhouses hangs in the balance—its competitive future now uncertain, and its credibility under serious scrutiny.
