Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS players again refused to train yesterday despite receiving part-payment of their outstanding salaries, but have assured the club leadership they will honour today’s potentially explosive Bulawayo derby against Chicken Inn at Barbourfields Stadium.
The latest industrial action has once again exposed the financial challenges engulfing Bosso, with the players understood to have demanded at least US$250 each before returning to training.
The club conceded and paid each player US$250 yesterday, yet despite that, the players declined training demanding that they be paid US$500 instead.
With the club unable to budge, the players did not train.
However, after talks with the leadership, the players agreed to temporarily bury the hatchet and committed themselves to reporting for duty for today’s match.
A reliable source told Zimpapers Sports Hub that Highlanders recently received about US$110 000 from the sale of midfielder Mongameli Tshuma, with part of the money being used to clear one month’s salary for all employees and players.
The players were also paid one winning bonus, meaning they are now owed two months’ salaries, while the technical team is understood to be owed four winning bonuses.
“The players met and refused to train because they felt the US$250 was not enough considering what they are owed. They wanted at least US$500 each,” said the source.
“However, after engaging the leadership, they agreed that they would not let the situation affect the game. They have assured the club that they will pitch up today and play against Chicken Inn.”
The latest development comes at a particularly delicate time for Highlanders, who face their city rivals in a crucial Chibuku Super Cup first-round clash.
The financial strain has repeatedly threatened to overshadow events on the pitch, with players having previously downed tools over unpaid salaries.
Yesterday’s development also gives coach Benjani Mwaruwari another challenge to navigate as he prepares his side for a derby in which victory would provide a much-needed lift following a turbulent period at the club.
With the players committing themselves to the match, the immediate crisis appears to have been contained, although the outstanding salaries remain a major concern for the club.
For now, Bosso will have to put their financial troubles aside and focus on the derby, with the players expected to turn up today and fight for a place in the next round of the Chibuku Super Cup.
Club acting chairman Kindman Ndlovu confirmed that the club is having challenges. He said the club was doing it’s best to resolve matters.
