Clayton Shereni
BIKITA – Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) recently held a one-day workshop at Bikita Minerals where the message of professionalism in the country’s football fraternity was emphasised.
The workshop was attended by executive members and players of Bikita Minerals FC who engaged in a dialogue concerning the welfare and conduct of both active and out-of-contract players.
While addressing players and stakeholders who attended the workshop, FUZ labour and law consultant Eliah Zvimba urged clubs and players to be more professional in their day-to-day activities.
“Clubs should honour what was agreed on contract and not deprive players of their rights. On the other hand, serious football players know that the game is actually their job so they don’t involve themselves in the use of drugs. Rather, they use their natural talent and are always disciplined,” said Zvimba.
Speaking at the same event, FUZ president Desmond Maringwa, who played for Dynamos and the Warriors in the midfield, said the organisation was in the process of lobbying the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) so that it becomes an obligation for every club to have an up-to-standard pitch.
“I would like to applaud Bikita Minerals authorities for putting up a state-of-the-art stadium with one of the best surfaces you can find in the country. We want to engage Zifa so that they make it compulsory that all teams have good pitches. Such a move would protect players from life-threatening or career-damaging injuries,” Maringwa said.
The Players’ Representative Union, which works with Fifpro – a world football union – enjoys a membership of 1 200 players.
FUZ is currently on a nationwide tour targeting almost all clubs in division one before the commencement of the new season in mid-April.sport
