adminTravel and Tours to pay players and officials their outstanding bonuses.
La Chelle director of Public Relations, Marry Mubaiwa, a staunch Dynamos supporter, said her company learnt of Dynamos’ plight in last week’s edition of The Herald and decided to chip in by helping clear the outstanding debts after the players staged a brief strike at their Raylton training ground.
“To start with, I am a Dynamos supporter. I was so touched last week when I read in the papers that players were boycotting training because they didn’t get their bonuses.
“So we decided to chip in with this gesture. Definitely this is not a one-off thing.
“We hope to maintain relations with Dynamos and if they keep doing well we may also go a step further, maybe by providing more incentives and probably sporting gear.
“We wish them good luck in their remaining games in the pursuit of the league championship and the Mbada Diamonds Cup,” said Mubaiwa
The players and members of the technical team, who were owed varying amounts, were immediately given their dues and vowed that they will now have to concentrate on the remaining league games and the Mbada Diamonds Cup without worrying about money issues.
Apparently, the debts, which were inherited from the previous administration, have been haunting the new executive led by Kenny Mubaiwa and morale reached the bottom levels last week when the players staged a sit-in in protest over the outstanding payments.
Dynamos secretary-general Nyika Chifamba yesterday said the gesture by the travel agent, which came as a huge relief, will help motivate the players in the remainder of the season.
“We are happy that La Chelle Travel have come at the right time especially when the team is now in a serious fight for the Mbada Diamonds Cup and the league title.
“This is great motivation and we hope more sponsors will come on board because that is what the team needs at the moment,” he said.
He said Dynamos are focused on winning a possible double this season and added that they have managed to talk to players whose contracts are due to expire at the end of the season to commit themselves for next season.
“Unlike in the past when we should be struggling to retain players for the next season, this year it’s different.
“We have the bulk, in fact more than 90 percent, of our squad committed for next season. The only hindrance could be the sign-on fees,” said Chifamba.
Dynamos patron, Minister of Media, Information and Publicity, Webster Shamu praised the gesture by La Chelle and said he was happy with the way the club was being run.
Shamu, who is also a Dynamos fan, had words of wisdom to the players and the executive in their chase for glory.
“Dynamos have shown good corporate governance of late. What La Chelle are saying at the moment is that they have confidence in the club and that more companies should consider supporting the team now and not wait until next year when they want to travel.
“The Dynamos executive should come up with a budget now so that they plan ahead.
“La Chelle have shown confidence in Dynamos and I urge players that if they have problems they shouldn’t express it by embarking on a strike.
“The executive, too, should be transparent. When players come with their grievances, the executive should not ignore them.
“Instead there must be regular interaction between the executive, coaches, players and the supporters. High level discipline is needed,” said Shamu.
Dynamos, who stormed into the semi-finals of the Mbada Diamonds Cup at the weekend following a 3-0 victory over Shooting Stars, will travel to Hwange this weekend as they resume their league battle.
DeMbare are currently second with 48 points, one behind strong contenders FC Platinum.
Online Reporter