daniel chigunwe
Onward Gangata
PREMIER Soccer League newboys Kwekwe United’s preparations for the upcoming season are in turmoil amid revelations they are struggling to pay their players.
The majority of players, who featured for The Gold Boys last season, are still owed their salaries and winning bonuses.
Zimpapers Sports Hub understands that players, who were at the club from the beginning of last season, are owed amounts ranging from US$3500 to US$5000.
Other players, who joined the club during mid-season last year, are owed around US$1000 each.
This has cast a shadow over the team’s preparedness for their maiden dance in the top-flight league. The club are yet to make any new signings.
Players who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed the matter.
“We are yet to get our dues from last season,” said one of the players. Almost everyone is owed something by the club. The amounts range, depending on contracts and other variables, but in general we have players who are owed between US$ 3500 to US$ 5000 then others around US$1000.
“It’s so heartbreaking that the club owes us a lot of money and has not made any efforts to address the situation.”
Another player said:
“The owner (Phil Makekera) has been evasive, he doesn’t want to meet us to discuss how they intend to pay us off.
“The way things are going I doubt if the club will be able to compete in the Premiership.”
Kwekwe United chairperson, Elvis Shumba, was not available for comment saying he was in a meeting.
Several key players are believed to be on their way out.
David Chipo is being targeted by some clubs in the Premiership.
Gangly striker Elton Njini is said to be on his way to Triangle while goalkeeper Elton Nechiware is trying his luck at Central Region Soccer League side Hardrock.
Other Kwekwe United players who have been spotted at the Hardrock trials are Nesbert Gwede, Last Nyilenda and Innocent Mundinga.
Online Reporter