Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Premier Soccer League side Ngezi Platinum have been hit with a transfer ban following their failure to pay former assistant coach Bongani Mafu his dues.
Mafu took his case to FIFA after the Ngezi side failed to pay an award of US$196 000 in damages for unlawful dismissal from the club in 2022.
He was sacked alongside his boss, Benjani Mwaruwari, but the duo felt their rights had been violated and took the matter to FIFA. It was later referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which upheld the decision.
Mwaruwari has sued for US$600 000.
Despite being given up to last month to settle the matter, Ngezi Platinum failed to pay.
FIFA Head of Disciplinary, Americo Espallargas, on Wednesday wrote to Zimbabwe to announce the position.
The ban comes in the wake of Ngezi Platinum having lost seven players and coach Takesure Chiragwi to Caps United. This has given rise to fears that the team may collapse or sell its franchise and return after some time under a new name.
In a letter addressed to the Zimbabwe Football Association and copied to Mafu, FIFA wrote:
”Ref. no. FDD-26356. Registration ban implementation: We refer to the abovementioned matter, as well as the decision passed by FIFA in the matter ref. no. FPSD-14215 (the Decision).
“In this context, it appears that, despite the Decision, Ngezi Platinum Stars FC (the Respondent) has not yet complied with its financial obligations towards Bongani Mafu. In this regard, we wish to inform the parties that a ban from registering new players internationally and nationally has been implemented by FIFA on the Respondent.
“The registration ban will remain active until the amount due is paid and for a maximum duration of up to three entire and consecutive registration periods. Lastly, the Zimbabwe Football Association is requested to immediately implement on the Respondent a ban from registering new players at national level, if not done yet.”
