16 City players owed salaries, bonuses
MORALE is reportedly low in the Bulawayo City FC camp, with players claiming they are owed two months’ salaries and bonuses.
Amakhosi as City are affectionately known, owe players $400 each in bonuses for two matches, the 1-0 away win over Border Strikers and last week’s 3-1 victory over Caps United, as well as for their draws against Hwange and Dynamos.
Players said they have been surviving on camping allowances pegged at $35 for away games and $15 for home matches.
“We’re owed two months salaries and bonuses. For every point accumulated, we get $50 and to date they owe us $400 in bonuses. Things are tight for most of us because we’re family men and have to provide for our families. Imagine the pressure we’re getting from our landlords because of these salary arrears,” said one player.
“At least those who make it into the final match day squad of 18 are cushioned by camping allowances, while those who don’t make it miss out. What makes matters worse is that no one is communicating with us and we think the acting coach is even afraid to ask the executive about these outstanding salaries and bonuses,” the player said. The players also claim that suspended coach Philani Ncube used to take their grievances to club management. Ncube, his assistant Farai Mujokoro, goalkeepers’ coach Reginald Buhali and kit manager Mvala are waiting to appear before the club’s disciplinary committee over match-fixing allegations. It is alleged that they tried to bribe Border Strikers’ goalkeeper Talent Sande to let them win by more than three goals in a league match, which they later won 1-0 in Beitbridge. Mujokoro and Mvala have since been summoned to appear before the league’s disciplinary committee, while Ncube and Buhali, who were cleared of criminal charges by the police, were not summoned by the PSL. Try Ncube is the acting coach and left with the team to Harare yesterday for their encounter against Harare City this afternoon. Although the players are unhappy about the issue of outstanding bonuses, they said they are determined to win against their Harare counterparts and increase the money they are owed.
“Obviously some are not applying themselves fully at training because of stress emanating from outstanding salaries, but those that are in the team want to win and have more bonuses. We’re hopeful that the money will come soon so that people can fully focus on their jobs,” said a player.
Jerry Sibanda, City’s chairman, confirmed owing players and said the matter would be resolved soon.
“The club gets a grant from the City Council and yes they are owed, but that will be resolved,” said Sibanda.