Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
THE Footballers Union of Zimbabwe is not happy with the management at Border Strikers for failing to address the players’ welfare as the side is struggling to make ends meet early days into their maiden Premiership season. FUZ president Desmond Maringwa told The Herald that the working and living conditions are “appalling and inhuman” and have since called on the club’s leadership to address the players’ plight.

Border Strikers were promoted into the Premiership this season, but most of their players have not received their signing-on fees while salaries are also not being paid.

Maringwa said it was difficult for the players to perform to their best under the conditions.

“The situation at Border Strikers is appalling and inhuman. Everything is just not right. I was there recently and we gathered that most of the players have not received their signing-on fees. The salaries are not coming yet some of these guys are family men.

“The club is even failing to provide them with food and they literally train and play games on empty stomachs. I was shocked these guys sleep in a hall, which is also used as a crèche and church. They don’t have clean sources of water and use the bush for toilets. It’s a health hazard.

“Unfortunately, some of these guys don’t even have copies of the contracts they signed. We spoke to the club’s leadership about this and they gave their reasons. But this is why we have been calling for all teams to meet certain requirements so that the players won’t suffer like this,” said Maringwa.

Most of the club’s senior players boycotted their last match against Mutare City last Sunday which they lost 1-0. Border Strikers have lost all four matches they have played to date and are yet to score a goal in 240 minutes of league action.

The situation has not normalised as they prepare to face on-fire Harare giants CAPS United at the National Sports Stadium this Sunday.

Coach Saul Chaminuka yesterday said morale was rock bottom. “We are in a tricky situation. Hopefully, they will be able to find something for them because the morale is low. Imagine, when someone expects something but it doesn’t come.

“In our next game we are playing against giants CAPS united, my former team. They are enjoying a green patch and are stable in terms of finance, unlike us.

“But this is a game that every player would look forward to. I challenge these guys to look at it from the perspective that it’s a chance for exposure and to show that they are good players,” said Chaminuka.

Fixtures:

Saturday:

Chicken Inn v Bulawayo City (Luveve), Tsholotsho v Ngezi Platinum Stars (White City), FC Platinum v Harare City (Mandava).

Sunday:

Mutare City Rovers v How Mine (Sakubva) CAPS United v Border Strikers (National Sports Stadium), Hwange v Dynamos (Colliery), Triangle United v ZPC Kariba (Gibbo), Highlanders v Chapungu (Barbourfields).

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey