Gundani lashes out at players

Paul Mundandi Zvishavane Correspondent
FOOTBALL Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Paul Gundani has blasted Shabanie Mine players for engaging in an illegal strike last week.
“It was an illegal process although their case was genuine. We are encouraging players to engage the union and everyone must know that we are bound by the laws of the country and we have to follow the laid down procedures.
“If you had not engaged in the industrial action, you could have probably collected maximum points. If you strike you can be fired by your employer and I am encouraging all the players to follow the right path of doing things,” said Gundani when he addressed the players after the Chicken Inn league match on Sunday.

Shabanie Mine players went on strike last week and never trained, giving their coach John Phiri a hard time as some chose to fake injuries.
“We have been advised that it was illegal as soccer is now an industry. I am sorry to the executive and to our fans for that. I am now challenging the players who joined us from Harare to play for Shabanie Mine as I feel that some of them are letting us down,” said Smart Muchabayiwa, the Shabanie skipper.

Gundani praised the PSL for their understanding.
“We are very grateful for the co-operation shown to us by Kenny (Ndebele). We need to continue with a good relationship between the PSL, union and the players. All the challenges we meet can be resolved by the three organs,” added Gundani.

Reuben Machaya, a very good defender for the asbestos miners, refused to get part payment of the bonuses and might be on his way out.
Loius Matawu is believed to be another player who received the bonuses but refused to play for the miners.

The former Monomotapa players Hamilton Masumbuko, Nelson Meson, Godknows Murwira and Zvikomborero Bizeki, are focusing their attention on Triangle who they are likely to join to work under their former coach Biggie Zuze.

Besides all the problems, Shabanie remain unbeaten at home and patron Greg Mataka has done so much for the club with board member Samson Gondwe despite being let down by the properties department which sponsors the club.

The properties department has failed to give the players decent accommodation opting to rent houses out and this has left some players living in a toilet.