By Tatiana Mhararira
Masvingo United players are protesting over poor salaries which saw a delay in their match against Hunters FC on July 21 at Mucheke Stadium.
The players complained that they had gone for three weeks without allowances band they only received US$5 after home matches making it a maximum of US$15 for the past weeks.
Speaking to this publication one of the players who refused to be named for fear of victimisation said that they protested because they found it difficult to sustain themselves as a result of poor salaries.
“As players we cannot continue playing and receive peanuts at the end of the day. Some of us are breadwinners in our families and US$5 is not enough to buy food or even pay rentals,” he said
He also said the protest was a call to action for Masvingo United Management Board to stick to the agreement between the board and the players.
“As a team we are appealing to our management board to stick to our agreement so as to limit chances of players reaching such levels of protesting especially on a match day,” he added
The players are also requesting for an allowance which they will use during the season break for the next three weeks.
In an interview with TellZim News, Masvingo United Board Secretary General Omen Mafa said the board did not owe players any money and continuous draws had led to the players not getting money as per contract.
“As the board we do not accept the protests over salaries by the players because we do not owe them any money. The team has had draws in the previous games and their contracts state that they get win and draw bonuses for away games only,” said Mafa.
The major source of income for Una Una is from gate fee paid by fans which is then used for players’ win and draw bonuses as well as other expenses to be incurred.
Mafa also said the team incurred more costs than income during both home and away games thereby running a loss.
“The approximate amount we get from gate fees is US$1 000 and costs we incur include payment of match officials, payment of security, the Zimbabwe Republic Police which is charged per hour per police officer, refreshments for players, winning bonuses and transport for the next away game therefore, leaving nothing in the team’s coffers,” added Mafa.
He added that the board has appealed for well-wishers in the business community who would love to sponsor the team to come through and assist the home team rather than expect the executive to fund the team.
“We are appealing to members in the business arena to assist in funding the team so that the gate fees will be used for some other aspects,” he said.
Masvingo United FC is currently on 8th position on the Eastern Region Soccer League log standings having played 16 games with 6 wins, 8 draws leading to a total of 26 points.
Una Una’s last game had a 2-2 draw against FC Hunters which is number 6 on the log standings.
