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Augustine Hwata Senior Sports Reporter
MONOMOTAPA could have lost their battle to remain in the Castle Lager Premiership, but the 2008 champions are bracing for boardroom battles with clubs clandestinely approaching some of their players.
Club chairman Joseph Mukoki yesterday said they were ready to play in Division One next season and any of their players, who feel otherwise, were free to move as long as due process is followed.
Mukoki said his club would need to engage with any potential employers of the players who were contracted to them before they can issue a clearance.
“Monomotapa has not been dissolved but the club has dropped to Division One and we are in the process of registering to play in that league next season and our focus could be on younger players.
“I know some of our players may feel that they do not want to play in Division One, the club does not, and will not, stand in the way of anyone who wants to move and offer services elsewhere.
“However, it has come to our attention that there are discussions and engagements going on between some clubs and some of our players with a view to signing contracts for the 2014 PSL season,” said Mukoki.
He said some clubs have been informally approaching their players and then asking them to get clearance letters from Monoz when some of the players still have issues to sort out with the club.
Dynamos have registered midfielder Ronald Chitiyo for their African Champions League for next year.
Russell Madamombe is on loan at the Glamour Boys.
Lawrence Mhlanga is heading to Chicken Inn while offers could come for players like Praise Tonha, Obey Mwerahari, Charles Mukwanhi and Kuda Musharu.
Despite dropping into Division One, Monomotapa were not short on talent but lacked financial resources for motivation as their club operated on a small budget.
Club owner, Solomon Mugavazi, also stopped pumping money into the team after he was banned by Zifa for his alleged part in the Asiagate scam.
That marked the beginning of the end of Monoz in the top-flight league.
“Anyone who wishes to engage any Monomotapa United Football Club player must follow due football process by engaging the management.
“The players have different contracts and therefore their cases will be handled individually.
“In this regard clearance letters will only be issued by management and addressed only to clubs duly registered by the relevant football structures, in or outside the country, and not ‘To Whom it May Concern,” said Mukoki.
He believes an open clearance could be abused by players who might be tempted to double dip in getting singing on fees with different clubs.
Mukoki said some players still have running contracts with the club and Monoz’s position is meant to protect the interests of both the player and the prospective employer.
“We took some of the players when they were students and maybe we are entitled to some development fees depending on the contracts we have.
“The Monomotapa football brand had become famous and young people knew that the club would give them a platform to showcase their talents,” he said.
Online Reporter