Online Reporter
Onward Gangata, [email protected]
FORMER Premiership side Kwekwe United are beginning to feel the heat in the ZIFA Central Region Soccer League promotion race, with cracks emerging in the camp as the battle for a place in the top flight intensifies.
Kwekwe United trail log leaders Blanket Mine by five points with 11 matches remaining.
They are second on the table with 52 points, while Blanket Mine lead on 57 and Air Force side Chapungu are third with 50 points.
The race for the lone Premiership promotion ticket has reached a critical stage and concerns are mounting within the Kwekwe United camp.
A section of the club’s supporters has written to the executive expressing concern over the team’s recent performances and the overall state of affairs at the club.
A fortnight ago, Kwekwe United dropped valuable points after a disappointing 2-2 away draw against relegation-threatened Shurugwi FC.
The trip to Shurugwi was reportedly affected by logistical challenges, which may have contributed to the team’s below-par performance.
Zimpapers Sports Hub is in possession of a letter from the supporters addressed to the executive.
“We, the Kwekwe United FC Supporters Affiliate and the wider football community, wish to formally express our concerns regarding the team’s performances since the commencement of the second leg of the season,” reads part of the letter.
“Our intention is not to undermine the club or its leadership, but to draw attention to matters requiring urgent consideration and corrective action while promotion remains achievable.”
The supporters also questioned the club’s failure to recruit a proven striker during the mid-season transfer window following the departure of Evans Katema and Sydney Urikob.
Kwekwe United president Bridget Mudhosi dismissed suggestions of unrest within the club.
“I don’t think we respond to supporters, and I doubt if there is any team in Zimbabwe that has to report to supporters,” said Mudhosi.
“I am the president of the club and we have an owner and sponsors those are the people we answer to, as for the technical issues and matters to do with the squad and how we are playing those are issues dealt with by the technical department.”
Kwekwe United face Chapungu in a potentially decisive top-of-the-table clash at Baghdad Stadium on Saturday.
Elsewhere, leaders Blanket Mine travel to face army side Tongogara at Battlefield Grounds on Saturday.
Fixtures: Friday
Super Strikers v Matobo
Saturday:
Tongogara v Blanket Mine, Kwekwe United v Chapungu, Sabi Gold Mine v Good Morning, MSU v FC Platinum U19, Gwanda Pirates v ZRP Gwanda, Vhembe Stars Academy v Grain Tigers
Sunday:
Shabanie Mine v Shurugwi FC
