adminTadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
A LEGAL wrangle looms between Harare City Council and Motor Action over the control of Callies Sports Club.
This follows the expiry of the lease agreement, which gave control of the property, to Motor Action.
It is, however, understood Motor Action were resisting the order to vacate the premises, arguing they should first be compensated for the improvements they have made at the facility.
“Harare City Council wants its property back as per the lease agreement,” sources told The Herald.
“They want the venue to be used by their sports teams, including the two teams, in the men’s and women’s Premiership.
“Motor Action are adamant they will have to be compensated, as they claim to have ploughed in more than US$1.5 million, to give the venue a facelift.”
Harare City Council spokesperson, Michael Chideme, said the venue has been leased for the past century, with different clients taking turns to occupy the place, during the period.
“The lease period lapsed on June 21 this year. Four months prior, we actually wrote to inform the client of the impending development.
“So, as we speak, the venue is back in our hands, as Harare City Council.
“And, as a council, like any other property owner, we make decisions with regards to our assets.
“The club in question is council property, the lease concerning the club has since lapsed. Council reserves the right to decide on who the next leasee would be.
“When a lease lapses, the council assumes management of the asset and decides on the way forward. Council has not made a determination about who to lease the club to, after the 21 June expiry, the ball is in Council’s court, and a determination will be made in the not-so-distant future.’’
Motor Action are said to be crying foul.
Under the late Eric Rosen, who owned defunct Premiership club Motor Action, the company added terraces at the stadium.
The facility now hosts weddings and there were some improvements to the club.
Rosen’s widow, Liz, acknowledged the developments but refused to comment.
Online Reporter