‘We’ll pay all we owe’ – Bulawayo Chiefs

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
CHIBUKU Super Cup 2022 winners Bulawayo Chiefs, working on invigorating their squad following an exodus of players have owned up to the debt established and say they will clear all outstanding salaries and allowances.

Amakhosi Amahle went through a spell of financial challenges that saw them failing to pay salaries in full leading to player unrest last season. The negative publicity that Bulawayo Chiefs attracted cost them kit sponsor MWOS.

A number of players who include goalkeeper David Bizabani, former national team pair of Kelvin Madzongwe and Perfect Chikwende, Moyo twins Kevin and Elvis as well as midfielders Lucky Ndlela and Arthur Musiyiwa left the club. Bizabani is at Green Fuel, with Madzongwe finding a home at Caps United while Ndlela is reportedly at Triangle United. The trio of Musiyiwa and the Moyo twins have since joined Dynamos.

However, Bulawayo Chiefs have drawn up a plan to clear the debt, paying players in batches starting with those who have since left the club. Through their spokesperson Thulani “Javas” Sibanda, Bulawayo Chiefs said: “It’s no secret that we faced financial challenges last year and the club’s benefactors have been working round the clock to harness resources to keep the club operational. As a policy, we can’t say who we have paid and who we haven’t, but a number have been cleared and now efforts are being made to clear everyone.

“While undertaking the process of clearing outstanding dues, our focus is on building a team that will effectively compete in the Premiership as well as work on improving brand Bulawayo Chiefs. Coach Lizwe Sweswe and his technical team have been busy with the recruitment that is being done on a good base as we retained more than 50 percent of our squad members.”

Skipper Malvin Mkolo, goalkeeper Matripples Muleya, defenders Felix Moyo and Ben Nyahunzwi, midfielders Mthokozisi Msebe, Lexington Mujokoro as well as strikers Thomas Mudzengerere, Farau Matare and Obriel Chirinda are some of the players that the club has retained. Msebe is on the Highlanders’ wish-list, with sources revealing that Bosso have been trying to find out if the player can be released the same way that it allowed Madzongwe, Ndlela and Bizabani to leave. The player is still contracted to Chiefs.

Former national team midfielder Danny “Deco” Phiri, ex-Tsholotsho FC and FC Platinum’ utility player William Stima, winger Timothy January, striker Kuda Musharu, Moses Jackson who was released by Chicken Inn and Welcome Ndiweni are some of the seasoned players who are training with Bulawayo Chiefs.

Ex-Young Warriors, Bantu Rovers and Bulawayo City’s utility player Leslie “Dumo” Lunga, goalkeeper Aaron Ngwenya, ex-National Under-20 and Chicken Inn midfielder Amos Ncube as well as former Highlanders right back Charlton Siamalonga have been trying their luck at Bulawayo Chiefs. — Follow on Twitter @ZililoR