Dynamos FC Drops Out of 2025/ 26 CAF Confederation Cup, Cites Lack of Readiness
n By Delicious Mathuthu n nn n Harare - Zimbabwean football giants Dynamos FC have officially announced their withdrawal from the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup, stating that the club is not yet adequately prepared for continental competitio
anostrofy By Delicious Mathuthu
Harare - Zimbabwean football giants Dynamos FC have officially announced their withdrawal from the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup, stating that the club is not yet adequately prepared for continental competition.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 13, the Harare-based club said the decision followed a thorough internal review.
The club's management resolved that participating in the prestigious continental tournament at this point could hinder, rather than help, the club’s long-term ambitions.
“We regret to inform our stakeholders that Dynamos FC will not be participating in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup,” read the statement.
"After thorough evaluation, it has been determined that the club is not yet fully prepared to compete at continental level this year.”
The club described the decision as painstaking but maintained that it was necessary to avoid participating just to make up numbers.
Dynamos FC, a club with a rich continental history, is arguably the most decorated football club in Zimbabwean history.
Founded in 1963, the “Glamour Boys” have won more than 20 Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (PSL) titles.
Their record in continental competitions, however, has seen mixed results in recent years.
The club's most notable achievement came in 1998 when Dynamos reached the final of the CAF Champions League, ultimately losing narrowly to Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas.
The run remains one of the most remarkable performances by any Zimbabwean club in continental football.
Since then, Dynamos have made sporadic appearances in CAF competitions, including the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, and struggled to progress deep into the knockout stages.
Financial constraints, player turnover and a lack of consistent investment in infrastructure and development have often hampered their continental campaigns.
The CAF Confederation Cup, Africa's second-tier club competition behind the Champions League, provides a platform for clubs across the continent to gain valuable experience and showcase their talent.
Participation often brings exposure, financial incentives, and the opportunity to measure domestic football strength against other regions.
Zimbabwean clubs have historically found the Confederation Cup challenging, with few progressing beyond the early rounds.
While Dynamos earned the right to participate in the 2025/26 edition after winning the 2024 November Chibuku Super Cup 4-2 on penalties, it is likely second place Ngezi Platinum Stars FC will take the spot.
