adminbefore the Warriors can be allowed to feature in the event, which had outrageous demands.
Section 11 of the contract said Benjani needed to pay each member of the Warriors US$5 000 as an appearance fee while a similar amount needed to be paid to each member of the technical team.
“Appearance fee by B. Mwaruwari, without deduction of withholding taxes, duties, levies or such like, should be paid within one day of the signing of the agreement to players and officials, in the sum of US$5 000 each, “ read Section II of the contract prepared by Zifa.
Already, although this is a testimonial, Zifa are levying the organisers 15 percent of net from gate takings, the Sports Commission are levying them 15 percent of gross from gate-takings for ground rentals and another six percent of net. The organisers have to pay the usual fees for the hiring of security and police.
“Even though this is supposed to be a charity match, we are being levied commercial fees for all the services and you wonder what will remain to be given to the foundation,” said one of the organisers last night.
“You would think the Warriors are celebrating the career of their captain, by taking part in the match, but then he is being asked to pay each of them US$5 000, something that he didn’t even get for one competitive match during his long time with the team.
“The maths don’t add up because it will be a huge loss-making venture. When Brazil came here, which was a high-profile game, and the Warriors were also preparing for their Nations Cup qualifiers, the players were not given such huge amounts and you feel if they can demand US$5 000 per player for an exhibition game, then what about the real qualifiers, maybe the boys will get US$10 000 each.”
Online Reporter