Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira-Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS players are owed four months’ salaries, with the latest payment dispute between the two parties again affecting the team’s preparations for the remaining PSL and Cup games.
Players boycotted yesterday’s training session.
The players’ refusal to train yesterday adds to a growing list of disruptions that have hit the Bulawayo giants this season over outstanding payments.
Highlanders chairman Kindman Ndlovu has moved to reassure the players and supporters.
“We acknowledge that our players have gone for four months without salaries, and as the executive we are fully aware of the difficulties this has created,” said Ndlovu.
“We are engaging our donors and sponsors to find a solution to the salary situation, and we are working flat out to ensure that the outstanding payments are addressed. We are also engaging the players so that they understand the situation we are in. We want to assure them that we are doing everything within our means to rectify the situation and restore stability within the team.”
The latest stand-off comes at a time when Bosso have their eyes on Chibuku Super Cup glory and finishing strongly in the Premier Soccer League, leaving coach Benjani Mwaruwari facing the challenge of keeping his squad focused despite the financial uncertainty.
The salary crisis has repeatedly affected Highlanders’ preparations this season, with players having downed tools on several occasions over outstanding payments.
The latest development, however, has brought the extent of the arrears into sharper focus, with the chairman confirming that the players have now gone four months without receiving their salaries.
For the Highlanders executive, the immediate priority is to turn its engagements with sponsors and donors into financial relief for the players. Ndlovu’s assurances are also aimed at maintaining confidence within the dressing room as the club enters the decisive stages of the campaign.
Highlanders will hope that the latest engagements can bring an end to the recurring payment disputes and allow the players to return to normal training as the team balances its league commitments with its Chibuku Super Cup ambitions.
