Shabanie Mine in turmoil

Paul Mundandi Zvishavane Correspondent
SHABANIE Mine FC players have boycotted training since Friday last week, pressing for payment of outstanding salaries. By yesterday things had not returned to normal as they marked the sixth day of industrial action.
This has left coach Jairos Tapera a worried man.

“We need our money. We played against Chapungu at Ascot and the return leg two weeks ago and we are still to receive our bonuses. They have received the proceeds from the Chibuku Cup a total of $15,000 and we are supposed to share $7,500 as players but still they do not want to release it.

“I am owed my signing on fees and it’s just a month before the end of the season. Where will I get the money? The chairman never addresses us and we do not even know his face and we wonder why he is there,” said an irate senior player.

“Recently our club was fined after they failed to supply the PSL with their flag. Our executive is not serious with football and it’s high time they give the franchise to the local community who are prepared to bankroll the team,” added the player.

Pithius Shoko, the secretary who is based in Harare referred all the questions to chairman Nephiel Rugara and his deputy Fidelis Chimedza.

Rugara was not answering his mobile. Chimedza who answered his phone admitted that there was a problem at the club.

“Our players have not been training. We are trying to meet their demands but the person to talk to is Rugara. I am no longer with the mine and I don’t know whether the money is there or not or maybe the treasurer Rupiya can assist you,” he said.

Sources however claimed that the supporters committee intervened yesterday and demanded an urgent meeting with president Greg Mataka who finally released half of the amount of the total money the club owes the players.

“We approached him and had a meeting. They have agreed to release half of the amount and word has been sent to the players to report for training,” said a member of the supporter’s executive who declined to be named.

Shabanie Mine are fighting relegation and will play Bantu Rovers at Hartsfiled Stadium tomorrow.

Like Highlanders, the Shabanie Mine family is embroiled in fights for executive posts.

FC Platinum recently seconded their development coach Tapera to help the team. Tapera is on the FC Platinum payroll.

Some of the players get salaries from well wishers as the fans try to save their beloved team from relegation.