Online Reporter
KWEKWE United promised a lot when the clinched the Central Region Division One Soccer League last season.
It was assumed that having brought back Premier Soccer League football to Kwekwe, they were set to get the required financial support from the community.
However, the opening four months of the year have revealed that there is no support for Kwekwe United and they are in a mess.
The chaotic start reached alarming levels on Easter Monday when Kwekwe United failed to travel for their home match against Herentals.
With no Zifa approved venue in Kwekwe, the newcomers are using Bata Stadium in Gweru for their home fixtures.
At 3pm, the visiting team, match officials and Premier Soccer League’s officials were at the venue band the match commissioner was present. But there was no Kwekwe United.
Instead, only head coach Saul Chaminuka and his assistant Clemence Zuze arrived at the stadium but Kwekwe United were in a no show.
The referee waited for the 30-minute grace period before signalling what should be a walkover with Herentals getting the points on a 3-0 scoreline as per precedence.
But as has been reported recently, the Kwekwe United collapse was always coming, and it was just a matter of time.
Kwekwe United chairperson Francis Tavagadza confirmed the club scrambled to address some of the players’ demands late into Sunday but failed.
With only seven games played in the current campaign, Kwekwe United is anchored at the bottom of the standings—a position that, while concerning, does not spell doom just yet. However, it’s important for Tavagadza and his management to consider the long-term implications of their current situation and explore the possibility of selling their franchise while the value remains relatively attractive.
Historically, football clubs in Zimbabwe and many other countries in Africa have faced periods of financial struggle, and Kwekwe United is no exception.
The fact that 34 matches will be played means there is still ample time for recovery.
Yet, the player boycott due to unpaid bonuses sends a chilling message about the state of the club’s finances and the morale of the squad. Such circumstances may hinder any effort to turnaround the club’s fortunes on the pitch, and it is crucial for the management to act swiftly and decisively.
Selling the franchise at this point is the best way forward given that Kwekwe United are still within range and can easily climb up the ladder if the house is in order.
Further delays will mean that the value of the franchise dwindles, and the club will collapse with no cent going to the owner. IN fact, he will be in serious debt given that the squad members have contracts that last for at least one year.
By accepting offers while interest remains high, Kwekwe United could position itself strategically for a future rebuild—one that prioritizes financial stability and a more sustainable model going forward.
In sports, timing is often everything. The current state of Kwekwe United is not indicative of its potential or worth. By exploring strategic options now, as the franchise still holds value, the club may very well lay the groundwork for a brighter future.
The Kwekwe United owner should swallow pride, sell the franchise now and strategise, unless a decent sponsorship package is availed this week.
Mathew Masinge