CAPS United president Farai Jere is under fire from sections of the football fraternity following the controversial dismissal of goalkeeper Wallace Magalane, with critics accusing him of unprofessional conduct and poor handling of player matters.

The Green Machine confirmed Magalane’s exit following a run of poor results, with Jere citing a string of underwhelming performances and disciplinary issues, including refusing to return for the second half. However, it is the public manner of his removal that has stirred controversy across Zimbabwean football circles.

“We are not only looking at the Triangle game, but for the past eight matches he had been conceding goals, and here at CAPS United we do not allow that,” said Jere, defending the decision.

But for many supporters, the issue is not the decision itself but how it was communicated, with critics arguing that publicly exposing a player in such a manner undermines professionalism and damages player dignity.

Football followers say a club of CAPS United’s stature should have handled the matter internally rather than using what they described as humiliating public statements directed at an already struggling player.

“This address was not necessary. Though the situation is not bearable, addressing a professional player like this is wrong,” said supporter Believe Chigava. “Some players are making mistakes and you are not addressing them in the same way.”

Further criticism centred on the club’s squad planning, CAPS United entered the season with limited goalkeeping depth, leaving Magalane under constant pressure and little room for recovery in form.

“He just lost confidence and you kept playing him. Have you ever played in a stadium full of fans who have no confidence in your ability?” said Emmanuel Muswizu.

Despite the backlash, Jere doubled down on the club’s stance, dismissing suggestions that Magalane should have been benched instead of released.

“Some are saying we could have put him on the bench. On whose bench? Not at CAPS United,” he said.

CAPS United head coach Takesure Chiragwi weighed in on the situation, acknowledging the controversy but shifting focus to the club’s direction moving forward. He also welcomed the arrival of veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi, describing him as an important leadership addition to the squad.

“It’s a good move signing a player like Arubi because of his career history and being a veteran in the football industry. He will guide the young players, so it’s good to have such a player,” said Chiragwi.

The veteran goalkeeper, popularly known as “Sekuru Gudo”, has since joined CAPS United after ending his spell in South Africa, marking a return to Zimbabwean football where he has made history as the first goalkeeper to represent all of the country’s traditional “Big Three” clubs Highlanders, Dynamos, and CAPS United.

Arubi said his return home had been discussed during the Africa Cup of Nations.

“During the AFCON, I spoke to the President and told him I wanted to come home. He immediately said we would make a plan, and now here we are,” said Arubi.

Critics, however, maintain that such remarks only deepen the perception of poor leadership and a lack of empathy within the club’s management structure, arguing that professionalism requires restraint, respect, and internal resolution when handling player departures.

"Mr Jere, you must learn the pitfalls of emotional decisions from Ngezi Platinum... employ ma director of football to handle football matters and properly handle player matters" said Mellisa Chonzi.