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THE CAPS United family was united in praising Twine Phiri and Farai Jere for setting their differences aside and finding solution to the myriad of challenges that had threatened to destroy the county’s third biggest football club.In a statement late last week, the Green Machine announced the return of Harare businessman Farai Jere to their board in a development that is expected to ease the financial woes that were bedevilling the club and threatening its very existence.
“There has been speculation regarding the ownership, control and management of Caps United Football Club.
“Caps United Football Club is owned by, and is the sole asset of its holding company. 75 percent of the shareholding therein is beneficially held by Twine Ibrahim Phiri through Twine Con Industrial Air (Private) Limited.
“The remaining 25 percent is beneficially held by Farai Jere through Automats Investments (Private) Limited. This has been the position since February 2007,” read part of the CAPS United statement released early this week.
Fans interviewed by this newspaper said the development will go a long way in boosting morale in the CAPS United camp.
CAPS United supporters national treasurer Kenneth Muchina said the entire Green Machine family was excited about the recent development.
“We are very excited that Twine Phiri and Farai Jere have ironed out their differences for the sake of the club. The good thing is that the two gentlemen have put their differences aside and came up with a solution that will see our team competing well against others in the top-flight league,” said Muchina.
Lincoln Matubu of Dangamvura said happy days were beckoning at CAPS United.
“That was good news for us. We really celebrated it and our hope is that we will now gun for the league championship.
“After all, we are not way off the mark in terms of our position vis-a-vis our aspirations to win the title. In short, all we can say is that happy days are coming back at CAPS United,” he said.
Sarah Machimbidza of Chikanga also echoed Matubu’s sentiments, saying they will not finish the season empty-handed.
Jere severed ties with the team in November 2012 over alleged differences with former club owner Phiri.
In their statement, Caps also stated that Jere’s reinstatement to the CAPS board was with immediate effect.
“Farai Jere, who has not played an active role in CAPS United for a year, has with effect from the 13th April 2014, rejoined the Caps United Board. Mr Jere rejoins the Board as a non-executive director,” the statement further read.
“Farai Jere, for the avoidance of doubt, has never ceased to be the beneficial owner of 25 percent in CAPS United’s holding company. The Board is acutely aware of the need to timeously and adequately inform the broader CAPS United family and the public of developments at CAPS United.
“A full disclosure of the turnaround strategy, business plan, three-year plan, management and control as well as the funding requirements and strategy will be made in short course only to the extent that it is consistent with the basic tenets of corporate governance.
“The broader CAPS United family and stakeholders are urged to exercise extreme patience and restraint as the Board seeks to turn around the fortunes of the Green Machine.
“Speculation, conjecture and communication other than from the Board may harm the vision and ongoing deliberations with various stakeholders.”
The CAPS United board is chaired by Phiri, who is also the Premier Soccer League chairman, while Joe Makuvire is the chief executive officer.
Advocate Lewis Uriri, a well-known figure in local football circles, is in charge of the secretariat, while Tutisani Nhamo holds the marketing, branding and public relations portfolio.
Khumbulani Mhlophe is in charge of the commercial interests of the club, while Alex Munyaka is the board member responsible for internal stakeholders.
Medical practitioner Mordecai Sachikonye and Munyaradzi Mazhande are in charge of sporting activities and systems respectively.
Online Reporter