Banket United in Turmoil Before PAM Derby

BANKET United’s executive is under mounting pressure ahead of their Mashonaland West derby against PAM FC in the ZIFA Northern Region Division One Soccer League match at Kuwadzana on Saturday.

Affectionately known as Dzinza, the club has parted ways with coach Lloyd Charamba and replaced him with Elias Makako. The change, however, hasn’t calmed the storm.

Reports from within the camp suggest growing friction between the executive, players, and supporters. Some members of the leadership are accused of meddling in team selection and favouring certain players, particularly Ian “Benteke” Chipara, despite his repeated disciplinary issues.

“Supporters are not happy that some players are being treated with kid gloves by executive members despite their disciplinary issues,” said a source. “There’s a clear case of Benteke, who was released by FC Oden and Harare City, but still gets preference from certain individuals in the hierarchy even when his form and attitude are questionable.”

The tension is said to have strained relations between the technical team and the board, with fans fearing the infighting could derail their season’s final stretch.

“There’s a lot going on at the club ahead of our match against PAM, and it might affect results as we head into the last fixtures of the campaign,” added the source.

Banket United currently sit 11th on the table, while PAM occupy 14th. Both sides are desperate for points, one to secure safety, the other to escape the relegation zone. The derby is one of several all-Mashonaland West clashes this weekend, with Chinhoyi Stars hosting Karoi United.

Friday: Chinhoyi Stars v Karoi United (Chinhoyi)

Saturday: Golden Eagles v Shamva Mine (Ellis Robbins), Zambezi C&G v N’ombeyaora (Centenary), FC Oden v Black Rhinos (Chinhoyi), Black Mambas v Ngezi U-19 (Mkushi), Ali Sundowns v Cranborne Bullets (Wagadhugu), Agama v Harare City (Pfura), Banket United v PAM FC (Kuwadzana), Chegutu Pirates v Chinhoyi Rangers (Pfupajena)