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The executive, which was given the mandate to run the team on behalf of the directors, is reportedly unhappy over continued interference by the club owners in the day-to-day affairs of the club.
Tensions heightened two weeks ago when the team treasurer, prominent Gweru banker Nicholas Nyere, quit in a huff citing work commitments while the club’s organising secretary Marlvin “Magiya” Paradza was suspended by the directors on allegations of not remitting funds from the sale of the club regalia.
During the Hardbody-Caps United match a fortnight ago officers from a local security company were controlling the gates while Sibanda and his son Talkmore were supervising with none of the executive members in sight.
Paradza is believed to have since crossed the floor to join Zifa Central Soccer League Division One outfit MSU a rumour which he vehemently denied.
“I am not at MSU but it is one of the teams I support since I am from Gweru and their secretary general Raymond Mugandani (former Hardbody treasurer) is my friend, that is why I am often seen with the team.
“As for the suspension you can contact the team spokesperson,Wellington Ngulube because he is the one who is mandated to talk to the Press,” said the organising secretary.
The in-fighting is said to have jeopardised a deal with a local food outlet, which had been brokered by Chikwanda.
Under the arrangement the fast food outlet provided players and officials with food after matches and was believed to be on the verge of injecting $20 000 as a sponsorship package to the cash-strapped side.
Players were given food at Sibanda’s house during the team’s 0-1 loss to Caps United a fortnight ago.
Asked to comment, Chikwanda put up a brave face and denied any fissures between the executive and the directors.
“Everything is in order, there is no conflict between us and the directors. Nyere resigned purely due to work related commitments and as for the suspension of Magiya you can contact (Takesure) Sibanda as he is better qualified to comment,” Chikwanda said.
Sibanda said he was preparing for a funeral of a relative when asked for his side of the story before switching off his phone.
The infighting comes amid reports of player discontent as they are yet to be paid salaries since the league kicked off in March.
Online Reporter