Fredrick Moyo
The Zifa Eastern Region Division One league outfit Nzuma Bar FC is facing imminent collapse before the end of the current Division One season if they do not get urgent financial injection to bail them out.
The Buhera-based team has fallen on hard times as they have been operating on a shoe-string budget since the beginning of the season and players have found it hard to get salaries nor allowances.
According to information released by ZIFA Eastern Region, Nzuma Bar FC failed to fulfil their match 12 fixture against FC Wangu Mazodze amid reports that sponsors were unable to fund the side.
Sources said the team had been struggling since the season kicked-off and they have been failing to pay players’ signing on fees and fulfil away fixtures.
“The team is struggling and I think Nzuma (Wilson) is now failing to fund the team. Players have not yet received their signing fees till now. Even getting food for the team while in camping is hard and transport for the team. The team is also struggling to pay for referees and going to play away games,” said the source.
Contacted for comment, Nzuma Bars FC owner Wilson Nzuma said he was in a meeting before his mobile phone went unanswered.
ZIFA Eastern Region Division One chairperson, Davison Muchena said Nzuma Bars FC has been barred from playing league games and the league will continue with 15 teams.
“Nzuma Bar failed to play three consecutive games so far and according to our rules and regulations, they are no longer part of the competition. We will play with 15 teams for the rest of the season.
“It has not been easy for sponsors of football during the Covid-19 pandemic as its effects are beginning to take toll on sponsors especially individual-owned teams,” said Muchena.
He encouraged sponsors to cooperate and have teamwork when sponsoring teams especially during this pandemic period.
“People want the glory of sponsoring teams individually but teamwork may be the solution at this stage or do corporate sponsorship,” added Muchena.
FC Wangu Mazodze had to collect three points without kicking a ball and now have three wins in a row and are now settling on position six with 18 points from 13 games.
