DeMbare on fire

Langton Nyakwenda-Sports Reporter

THERE are conflicting reports about the situation at Harare giants Dynamos, where players downed tools yesterday, in protest against non-payment of bonuses and signing on fees. 

DeMbare players refused to train and instead watched Division One side Scottland FC going through their paces at Alex Sports Club. 

Players who spoke to this publication claim that the club has not paid them bonuses since the beginning of the season. 

Some players are yet to receive their signing-on fees for the season, while others received part payments. 

Some players are struggling to raise transport money from their respective locations to the Central Business District, where they are picked up by the team bus.

Yesterday, some DeMbare players were rescued by Scottland president, Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya, who forked out US$300 for bus fare. 

But, Dynamos chairman, Moses Maunganidze, yesterday claimed that there was no crisis at the club and revealed that players were advised of a break in training by coach Genesis Mangombe. 

“There was a miscommunication,” said Maunganidze. 

“The coach advised of a break and we were meant to have our mid-season great indaba, which is currently underway, so there was no training today,” explained Maunganidze. 

However, players who spoke on condition of anonymity, are bitter with the way their welfare is being handled at Dynamos. 

It is clear morale is at its lowest ebb as some players are angling for moves away from Dynamos. 

Others, sources claim, are faking injuries to avoid “playing for nothing”. 

Players who have featured in all of Dynamos’ 17 matches in the first half of the season are owed about US$1 050 in outstanding bonuses. 

DeMbare pays US$100 for a win, an amount that rises to US$200 when they play against the top sides like Highlanders, CAPS United, FC Platinum, and Ngezi Platinum Stars. 

The Harare giants pay US$50 for a draw, which goes up to US$100 against the top sides. 

They recorded wins against Bikita Minerals, TelOne, Chegutu Pirates, Arenel Movers and Green Fuel, which amounts to US$500 per player. 

Dynamos have nine draws, including stalemates against giants CAPS United and Ngezi Platinum Stars, which adds up to US$550 per player. 

Cumulatively, the players are owed US$1 050. 

“Players have not received bonuses since the beginning of the season. 

“Some players did not get a single cent for signing on fees, others got half the amount, yet there are others who got their full amounts,” said one player. 

Added another one: “We are getting a small amount for the bonus as compared to other teams that we compete against.

“Players are saying enough is enough, we have been taken for a ride for a long time. 

“Fans should know that players are trying their best in difficult conditions. Morale is at its lowest level and you can tell by the body language of some players.

“Imagine we have some players missing a training session because they can’t raise a dollar for transport,” revealed the disgruntled player. 

Ironically, Dynamos pay the least amount in bonuses, when compared with their main competitors. 

Investigations by this publication show that Manica Diamonds pay the highest winning bonus of US$500, although the Gem Boys do not get any cent for a draw.

Simba Bhora pay US$300, FC Platinum are forking out between US$250 and US$300, Ngezi Platinum Stars are at US$250, while Highlanders, who are reportedly getting their bonuses directly from sponsor Scott Sakupwanya, are also getting about US$250. 

This discrepancy might have affected DeMbare’s performance during the first half of the season, which saw the Mbare side garner 24 points out of a possible 51, a 47 percent success rate. 

DeMbare are 11 points behind log leaders FC Platinum but they still have 17 matches in the second half of the season to overturn the deficit. 

Four of DeMbare’s wins have come against promoted sides Bikita Minerals, TelOne, Chegutu Pirates and Arenel Movers. 

Their nine draws were against Hwange, Yadah, Bulawayo Chiefs, Ngezi Platinum Stars, Chicken Inn, Herentals, CAPS United, ZPC Kariba and Manica Diamonds. 

Dynamos have suffered just three losses against Highlanders, Simba Bhora and FC Platinum.