By Tatiana Mhararira
Masvingo United FC, popularly known as Una Una, is facing serious financial problems, resulting in the team failing to play an away game against Buffaloes FC at Sakubva Stadium on match day 27 recently.
The team failed to raise money needed for essentials including transport and food for players and the technical team.
Masvingo United Secretary General, Omen Mafa confirmed the sad development to TellZim News saying the team failed to travel for the match and appealed for sponsorship from the corporate world.
“We were unable to travel for our match against Buffaloes due to financial constraints. Our logistics management fell short.
“We had hoped to get assistance from well-wishers, but unfortunately, the support came late resulting in us failing to travel,” said Mafa.
Mafa said the team management was working thoroughly to avoid a repeat of the incident and said players were preparing for the upcoming matches including the local derby against FC Wangu Mazodze.
“We are committed to ensuring that incidents like what occurred on match day 27 do not happen again, as it demoralizes players.
“The team is gearing up for upcoming games against Huku FC and Grayham FC, not to mention the highly anticipated local derby against FC Wangu Mazodze, a match that everyone is eagerly waiting for. Una Una expects to come out on top,” said Mafa.
One player who spoke on condition of anonymity said failure to go for the match was disheartening as they had prepared for it.
“I felt demotivated after skipping a match, especially after a week of training in preparation for the game against Buffaloes. However, I still have a role to play since the season is not yet over. I will approach the next game with renewed hope and energy,” said the player.
Una Una has been failing to give allowances to players due to financial challenges and delayed a match against FC Hunters earlier this season as players demanded for their allowances.
Currently, Masvingo United FC is standing on seventh position on the log, with 40 points, while Buffaloes FC is on eighth place with 37 points. Una Una’s next game will be against Chiredzi Stars FC at their home ground, Mucheke Stadium.
FC Wangu Mazodze leads the table with 59 points, followed by Tenax FC with 53 points, while Great Zimbabwe University FC struggles at the bottom with 15 points.
