Dynamos F.C.: The True Founder vs. The Legal Victory of Bernard Marriot Lusengo
By A Correspondent | The identity of Dynamos F.C.’s true founder has been a point of contention in Zimbabwean football for years. Sam Dauya is widely recognized as the founder of Dynamos in 1963, having played a pivotal role in the club’s establishment. However, Bernard Marriot Lusengo, a long-time club administrator, has long claimed authority over the club, culminating in a bitter legal battle over Dynamos’ shareholding and governance.
Recently, after a three-year-long court battle, Marriot was acquitted on charges of fraud related to acquiring a 51% shareholding in Dynamos. While his legal victory secured his control over the club, it does not change the fundamental fact—Sam Dauya remains the rightful founder of Dynamos F.C.
This article delves into the origins of Dynamos, the legal dispute, and why history must not be rewritten.
Sam Dauya: The True Founder of Dynamos F.C.
In 1963, Sam Dauya formed Dynamos F.C. as a response to racial discrimination in Zimbabwean football. Black players were marginalized, and the disbanding of two black clubs—Salisbury City and Salisbury United—left talented players without a team. Dauya stepped up and:
• Drafted the club’s constitution
• Designed the Dynamos emblem
• Brought together players from the disbanded teams
• Led the club into organized competition
His efforts laid the foundation for what would become Zimbabwe’s most successful football club.
Where Was Bernard Marriot in 1963?
While Marriot has claimed to be part of the club’s formation, there’s one simple historical fact that contradicts this—he was only 15 years old at the time. Born in 1948, he was too young to have played a leading role in forming a professional football club.
Dynamos was built by established players and administrators, with Sam Dauya at the helm. Marriot may have been a young follower of the team, but claiming to be a founding member is a distortion of history.
Marriot’s Legal Victory: What It Means
On January 31, 2025, Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda ruled in favor of Bernard Marriot Lusengo, clearing him of fraud charges related to his acquisition of 51% shareholding in Dynamos. The case had dragged on for over three years, with two key complainants—David George and Ernest Kamba—passing away before the verdict.
Key Findings from the Court Judgment
1. The Complainants Did Not Qualify as Founding Members
• Magistrate Dzuda ruled that the complainants (Leslie Gwindi, Eric Mvududu, and others) were not part of the original Dynamos players of 1963.
• “None of the complainants played for Dynamos during its formation in 1963,” Dzuda stated.
• Since they did not qualify under the club’s 1963 constitution as founding members, their claim to shares was legally weak.
2. The Court Did Not Find Evidence of Fraud Against Marriot
• “The State did not tender evidence to prove a charge of fraud against the accused person, therefore he is found not guilty and acquitted,” ruled Dzuda.
• The court rejected the claim that Marriot had illegally allocated shares to non-original members.
3. The 1963 Constitution Had Been Repealed
• Marriot successfully argued that the 1963 Dynamos constitution was repealed at a general assembly, and the club has since been run under its Articles of Association.
• This meant that the 1963 constitution—which gave every founding member one share—was no longer valid in the court’s eyes.
4. The 2005 Supreme Court Ruling Was Not Enforced
• The complainants tried to use a 2005 Supreme Court order by Justice Luke Malaba, which directed Dynamos to revert to the 1963 constitution.
• However, the court found that this ruling was never fully implemented, allowing Marriot to maintain control over the club.
5. Marriot Was the Only Recognized Surviving Founder
• Marriot claimed in court that he was the last surviving original member of Dynamos from 1963.
• With no strong legal opposition, the court accepted his position as the de facto leader of the club.
Does Marriot’s Legal Win Make Him the Founder of Dynamos?
Absolutely not. Winning a legal case does not change historical facts.
While Marriot emerged victorious in court, this does not mean he founded Dynamos. The ruling focused on shareholding and governance issues, not on the club’s historical origins.
Legal Victory ≠ Historical Truth
• The court did not declare Marriot as the founder.
• The ruling was based on legal technicalities, not historical accuracy.
• Sam Dauya’s contribution remains undisputed in football history.
The Controversy Behind Marriot’s Control
Despite his legal win, Marriot’s leadership has been marred by allegations of power grabs and questionable governance.
• He was accused of allocating shares illegally in 2017 and removing former members from the club’s administration.
• His opponents accused him of running Dynamos as a personal empire rather than a community-based club.
• There were allegations of him defying a High Court order and blocking legitimate stakeholders from participating in club governance.
While Marriot walked out of court a free man, his legacy remains controversial among Dynamos’ divided fanbase.
Preserving the True History of Dynamos F.C.
The verdict does not change the truth—Sam Dauya is the real founder of Dynamos.
• Sam Dauya established Dynamos F.C. in 1963.
• He drafted the club’s constitution and assembled its first squad.
• He provided a platform for black Zimbabwean footballers during colonial rule.
• Bernard Marriot was just 15 years old in 1963 and did not play a leading role.
Why It Matters
Football history should be based on facts, not legal victories. While Marriot remains a key figure in the club’s modern-day administration, his control over Dynamos should not erase Sam Dauya’s contributions.
While Bernard Marriot Lusengo has successfully defended his legal position as the majority shareholder of Dynamos, he is not its founder. The court ruling does not rewrite history—Sam Dauya remains the man who built Dynamos from the ground up in 1963.
Despite the legal triumph, the controversy surrounding Marriot’s leadership continues, and many within the Dynamos community question the legitimacy of his control.
As football fans, we must ensure that the true history of Dynamos F.C. is preserved and honored. No legal battle, court ruling, or administrative takeover can change the fact that Dynamos Football Club exists today because of Sam Dauya’s vision, leadership, and determination.- ZimEye