Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Football Union of Zimbabwe have threatened to name and shame clubs that are failing to honour their contractual obligations amid a spike in disputes between players and their employers.
FUZ are currently sitting on almost 100 cases, a situation they feel paints a bad picture about the stability of contracts.
The footballers labour body is also urging ZIFA to rein in on clubs that have been disrespecting player contracts.
This comes as the movement of players on the transfer market intensifies ahead of the start of the 2026 season. The January transfer window is traditionally the busiest in Zimbabwe. Some of the clubs, who have been busy on the market include newly-promoted Hardrock, CAPS United, FC Platinum and champions Scottland.
Former champions Simba Bhora have also severed ties with a couple of players.
“January is the busiest time of the year for us because there will be a lot of player movements. We are handling close to a 100 cases, mostly on clubs failing to fulfil their contractual obligations,” FUZ secretary Wonder Sithole, told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
Most of the players changing clubs are still owed by their previous employers.
There are also legacy issues involving players owed money by clubs they played for several years ago. As a result, some football managers feel that ZIFA should set up a Dispute Resolution Chamber, specifically for handling disagreements over player contracts.
“We have clubs who want to sign players that have not procedurally terminated their contracts with previous clubs.
“There are clubs who are owing players from the previous seasons. These debts include outstanding salaries and outstanding bonuses from the previous season,” added Sithole.
The former Masvingo United and Dynamos midfielder said his union was worried about the duration of contracts being signed by local players.
“We are urging the national association to be thorough when licensing clubs.
In terms of proper regulations, clubs who fail to fulfil contractual obligations should not be licensed.
“We have got so many cases we are working on, close to a 100 cases, which gives a very bad picture about the stability of player contracts. Contractual stability is key and that’s why you see many players signing short contracts because they don’t trust their employers. In the next few weeks we are going to name and shame those clubs who are disrespecting player contracts because we cannot continue to keep quiet when clubs are trampling on players’ rights.
“It is better for clubs to enter into a payment plan and give assurances to the players,’’ added Sithole.
Name and shame who? Clubs? LOL! They don’t care. What is required is a ban on clubs that do not adhere to contracts they sign with players. There should not be fear that players will lose employment. So many companies close shop and put people onto the streets. Players are no different. Owners of clubs must be brought to book if they err.