A growing governance dispute has rocked Dulibadzimu United FC after Vice Chairman Rex Tumelo Mphisa successfully obtained a court injunction that halted the club's highly anticipated Annual General Meeting (AGM), exposing deep divisions within the Beitbridge-based outfit.

The AGM, which was scheduled for Thursday at Canvas Corner in Skeem Beit, was expected to discuss the club's finances, 2026 programme and the election of office bearers. However, proceedings were stopped at the eleventh hour following legal action initiated by Mphisa.

Breaking his silence after the cancellation, Mphisa said his move was not aimed at blocking the AGM but at ensuring transparency, accountability and broader community participation in the affairs of a club he described as a symbol of Beitbridge's pride.

"My name is Rex Tumelo Mphisa, a vice chairperson of Dulibadzimu United FC. It will be common knowledge by now I sought a court order to stop an AGM of this esteemed team," he said.

"Hear from me why I stopped the AGM, and why I took it upon myself to do this. The team belongs to everyone, not a tuckshop."

Mphisa, who also heads the club's disciplinary committee, accused a small group of individuals of treating the Central Region Soccer League side as a private entity rather than a community institution.

"I have been with this team for years and have seen a lot. It is loved, it is the Beitbridge district pride, it is spoken in every home, it is Beitbridge's own. But some operated it like a private company and I had to take a stance as head of disciplinary issues in the team," he said.

He argued that a club partly sponsored by the Municipality of Beitbridge should be accountable to its supporters and stakeholders.

"This is not stopping the AGM, no, it's demanding that an AGM of a team of such a magnitude partly sponsored by the Municipality of Beitbridge cannot be operated like someone's tuckshop. The people of Beitbridge must be informed fully of all developments which is what I am humbly requesting."

The vice chairman further claimed that internal divisions and a lack of transparency had led to the departure of several executive members and discouraged potential sponsors from associating with the club.

He called for a properly advertised elective AGM that would allow all members to participate freely and make informed decisions about the future leadership of the club.

"Beitbridge is too big a place to have two or three minds taking the whole community for granted. Soccer is meant to unite, build, some are using it to divide and ruin a community," said Mphisa.

"A properly advertised elective AGM is the way to go. Not to bundle a few cronies and dispense an election. That's fraudulent. Everyone must, without fear, take part in this election when it is finally announced. Everyone must be told how players are sold, when they are. That is a team of the community, all must have a say."

Mphisa also alleged that some members had been removed from club communication platforms and sidelined from club activities, a development he described as detrimental to unity within the organisation.

"Reason must prevail, Dulibadzimu United FC must be bigger than ego," he said.

In an apparent attempt to dispel suggestions that he was pursuing personal interests, Mphisa declared that he would not contest any position when elections are eventually held.

"I, also will declare I am not standing for any position. No," he said.

Following the court ruling, the club's Executive Committee confirmed the AGM had been cancelled and said it was seeking urgent legal advice before announcing a new date.

"The Executive Committee is seeking urgent legal advice and will communicate the way forward, including rescheduled dates, as soon as possible," the club said in a statement.

While acknowledging the disappointment of members who had gathered for the meeting, the club appealed for patience as legal processes continue.

Dulibadzimu United FC, popularly known as "The Voice of the People", is one of the most supported football clubs in Beitbridge and competes in the Central Region Soccer League.