adminTawanda Mangoma Lowveld Correspondent
CASH-STRAPPED Chiredzi FC last week discovered that some rogue elements were cashing-in on selling T-shirts, flags and jerseys bearing the team’s logo without remitting a single cent to the club.The Premier League’s new boys are facing serious financial challenges which have seen players receiving no meaningful salaries and winning bonuses since the beginning of the season.
Club executive members have since January been running around in a bid to lure sponsors but to no avail.
Last Friday, the Chiredzi FC executive decided to abandon a fundraising dinner at the last minute after they discovered that some of the invites had not reached targeted individuals on time.
With the team banking on gatetakings to finance its operations, the poor home record in which draws have been their best result has seen supporters staying away from some of their matches causing a serious dent to the team’s pockets.
Chiredzi FC supporters unearthed the regalia scandal after discovering that many fans who attended their home match against Chapungu were clad in red Chiredzi FC branded T-shirts but the executive disowned the regalia.
Angry with the development, supporters confiscated more than 50 T-shirts from a vendor at Chishamiso Stadium and surrendered them to the police.
Charles Muchatukwa, the Chiredzi FC chairman, bemoaned the lack of consideration among some residents who are now cashing-in on ventures which must benefit the team.
“It’s sad that some people are hijacking projects which must be run by the team for its survival. It’s even worse to note that some of those implicated are people from the locality,” said Muchatukwa.
The team executive and supporters’ executive will meet soon to finalise the way forward about taking over the lucrative regalia business so as to fund the team.
Online Reporter