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There have been schisms between the executive committee and the directors who own the cash-strapped club with the committee accusing the latter of usurping their powers and taking over the day to day running of the club.
Paradza was suspended after he refused to remit funds from the sale of club regalia.
However, the organising secretary says he did everything above board as he purchased the regalia using his own money and had an undertaking with the executive that he would recover his costs before remitting the balance.
“I am shocked by the suspension because the issue of replica jerseys was an executive resolution which means the entire executive ought to be suspended. The executive had no money and I volunteered to purchase the jerseys on the undertaking that I recover my costs first before remitting the balance to the club.
“Since I was suspended I am yet to be called for a hearing to give my side of the story but whatever happens I will remain a Hardbody supporter,” said Paradza.
A letter in possession of Chronicle Sport written by Paradza addressed to the Hardbody chairman, Patrick Chikwanda, shows that there was an executive resolution to allow the organising secretary to purchase replica jerseys using his money and could only remit the proceeds after deducting expenses incurred from the importation of the regalia.
According to the letter, 99 replica jerseys were imported from China at a cost of $1 584 and the total came to $1 614 after $30 was added as transportation cost.
“Please be advised that I received 99 jerseys from China on 28/4/12 through an agent with the blessings of the executive. The total cost was 99 x $16 = $1 584. Transport cost is $30 to bring the total cost to $1 614,
I paid a down payment of $800 and then received the jerseys. Balance $814 payable within 30 days from date of receipt, 30/5/12.
“I will only remit the money due to the club after deducting all the expenses or if the club takes over by reimbursing all expenses paid,” read part of the letter signed by Paradza.
Chikwanda confirmed receiving the letter and said the executive had given the go-ahead to purchase the regalia on behalf of Hardbody since the club did not have money to purchase the jerseys.
“We gave Magiya the green light to purchase the jerseys because as a club we did not have the capacity to do so and we agreed that we will only get the proceeds after he deducts all the expenses he incurred. As an executive we are as surprised about the board’s decision because everyone was in agreement that the club was losing revenue as some people were producing our regalia since there was none on the market,” said the Hardbody chairman.
Takesure Sibanda the Hardbody director said he could not comment as we was preparing for a relative’s funeral in Beitbridge and said he would only be back in Gweru on today.
Online Reporter