Chiefs players strike

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
RELEGATION threatened Bulawayo Chiefs will need more than a miracle to beat Chicken Inn in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match on Saturday, as their players have reportedly gone on strike over unpaid salaries.

According to sources close to the club, players did not attend any training session this week protesting over wages dating back to July, with each player owed between $200 and $250.

“The players have gone on strike demanding their wages. The boys have been surviving on bonuses because since July they have not been getting their salaries.

“As a result players did not come for training this week and this will continue until they are given their dues.

“On Monday the players were given about $100, but that money has not reflected in some players’ bank accounts, so unless there’s a change, the strike continues,” said the source.

Efforts to get a comment from club chairman Lovemore Sibanda were fruitless as his phone rang unanswered.

Chiefs’ players went for about four months without pay and bonuses earlier this year.

Chiefs need to put their house in order as soon as possible and keep their players focused if they are to survive relegation.

Life in the Premier League has not been easy for Chiefs, as they sit 14th on the league table with 32 points from 29 games.

Chiefs’ Saturday opponents Chicken Inn are third on the table with 54 points, making the game even more crucial. — @khumzallen