admin
The fans accused the owners of the team Takesure Sibanda and Harrison Matimati and the executive of neglecting the welfare of the players who had a poor performance against the Harare side perhaps in protest against the non-payment of winning bonuses for the 1-0 victory over Quelaton the previous weekend.
It has since emerged that the players are owed winning bonuses for the match and are still to be paid their salaries which date back to March when the league started.
The players are said to have been given $10 each for refreshments.
Irate Watosvorwa fans invaded the pitch soon after the final whistle and disrupted post-match interviews.
The interview with Hardbody coach, Tavaka Gumbo had to be abruptly ended after the fans demanded that the Hardbody gaffer stop giving his comments on the match but instead tell the directors of the team and the executive to look into the welfare of players.
“There is nothing you can say when the players are hungry because they have not been paid and even their winning bonuses are still outstanding and you expect them to perform. The players cannot deliver positive results if they are playing on empty stomachs so instead of giving journalists comments, go and tell your bosses to give the players money. You are not the problem but your bosses should change their attitude towards the players,” a fan fumed.
Hardbody chairman Patrick Chikwanda admitted that the club was facing financial challenges but however said they had since paid players their dues.
“Just like most clubs we are also struggling and we constantly communicate with the players on issues regarding their remuneration.
“If we get the money, especially during our home games, we pay them whatever we raise and it is the reason we are calling on the corporate world to chip in with sponsorship because our aim is to make our players happy.
“As it stands we have paid players their outstanding allowances,” Chikwanda said.
Online Reporter