Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN what may prove a critical blow to their already fragile Premier Soccer League campaign, Kwekwe United have been fined US$3 000 and forfeited their league match against Herentals after failing to fulfil the fixture last month.
The PSL disciplinary committee handed down the judgment yesterday, finding the Midlands-based outfit guilty of misconduct in terms of Order 31, a charge that has added yet another layer to the club’s spiralling troubles.
According to the ruling, Kwekwe United were fined a total of US$3 500, with US$500 suspended for the rest of the season on condition that they do not default again. The unplayed match was awarded to Herentals on a 3–0 score-line, and the Gold miners have until May 23 to settle the fine and additional hearing costs.
It is the latest twist in a rapidly deteriorating situation that has seen Kwekwe United, promoted this year amid much fanfare, descend into chaos just nine games into their debut PSL season.
Since their historic promotion to the top-flight, the first by a Kwekwe-based team since Lancashire Steel in 2009, the club’s dream has unravelled under the weight of financial instability, leadership conflict, and off-field drama.
Owner Phil Makekera has admitted that the club is struggling to stay afloat, revealing that Kwekwe United still owe signing-on fees to several of the 30 players they recruited ahead of the season.
“This was a self-funded passion project,” he said. “But now, we want partners. We want to turn this into a football business.”
But passion has not been enough to plug the holes.
Head coach Saul Chaminuka and his assistant Clemence Zuze were suspended last week after failing to meet points target set by the club.
The fallout was explosive. Makekera accused the pair of sabotage, claiming they took club equipment, including kits and balls, in protest, prompting him to file a police report.
Chaminuka, in turn, denied the allegations and was preparing legal action against the club for unfair dismissal and defamation.
The Gold miners’ form on the field has been no better.
They currently sit bottom of the 16-team log with just seven points and only one win to their name. They’ve scored five goals all season and have suffered heavy defeats, including 5-0 and 4-0 thrashings by ZPC Kariba and Highlanders, respectively.
Behind the poor results lies a squad in disarray. Players have reportedly boycotted training over unpaid wages. Sessions are inconsistent. Rumours of a mass player exodus when the transfer window opens continue to swirl.
Even with Chaminuka replaced and new CEO Bridgette Mudhosi appointed to steady the administrative side, Kwekwe United’s house remains visibly on fire.
There was a flicker of resistance in their recent 0–0 draw against FC Platinum at Bata Stadium, but as financial woes mount and the PSL’s disciplinary hammer falls, the broader question looms larger:
Can Kwekwe United survive this season?
