Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MCM Estates Northern Region Division Soccer League outfit Chegutu Pirates are at loggerheads with ex-coach Paul “Popopo’’ Chimalizeni over yet to be proved claims that the veteran gaffer resigned from his role on July 27, just after receiving three months’ salary in advance for August —October.
In a letter written to Chimalizeni on July 30 by the club’s secretary general, Ronald Makaza, he demanded that the former coach reimburse the $2 400 they claim he received as salary in advance and, also, pay a 25 percent interest for “contractual damages or penalty”.
Makaza said Chimalizeni had seven days to reimburse a total of $3 000 or risk legal action.
“Dear Mr Chimalizeni, the Executive Committee of Chegutu Pirates Football Club writes to formally demand the reimbursement of funds advanced to you during your engagement as Head Coach of the Club.
“Our records indicate that you received United States Dollars Two Thousand Four Hundred (US$2,400.00), being advance salary for the months of August, September, and October 2026, in anticipation of your continued service to the Club during that period,” reads part of the letter, a copy of which Zimpapers Sports Hub is in possession of.
Makaza also accused Chimalizeni of actions that “caused the former Premiership side some financial prejudice and operational disruption at a critical stage of the season”.
He said the logic behind the move to pay Chimalizeni his salary in advance was to “make him commit to the club” for his exceptional work.
Chimalizeni, who has already settled at Eastern Region Division One side Grand Legacy, however, dismissed the claims and said he had resigned from his role over poor working conditions, unpaid salaries, and winning and draw bonuses.
In refuting the claims by Chegutu Pirates Chimalizeni, a widely travelled coach on the domestic football terrain, said the club did not understand corporate governance, querying how they paid him salary for August to October when they owed him his dues from April to July.
“I resigned on July 27 because of poor working conditions, nothing else. Since my engagement, I have only received my salary once, which was in March. They have no money at Chegutu Pirates, and there is no organisation there.
Pirates are in financial distress after the Chegutu Municipality, who were the principal sponsors withdrew financial aid.
The club have reportedly failed to settle financial obligations owed to former coaches Moses “Bambo’’ Chunga and Day Gutu.
