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Innocent Kurira, [email protected]

Highlanders Chief Executive Officer, Brian Moyo, has confirmed that the club is working tirelessly to clear a debt of US$27 000 owed to former coach Baltemar Brito and his assistant Antonio João Torres after Fifa imposed a ban on the club from registering new players.

Moyo stated that the club is in discussions with sympathisers, sponsors, and partners, all of whom have expressed interest in helping to resolve the debt issue.

While Moyo expressed confidence that the debt would be settled soon, he did not specify a timeline or reveal the exact parties with whom they are in discussion.

Brian Moyo

Zimpapers Sports Hub understands that businessman Wicknell Chivhayo has been approached by the club after pledging to pay off the debt. It is expected that the funds will be transferred soon.

Although the club was somewhat cautious about revealing the details, it was anticipated that the payment would have been made to the foreign coaches by the end of the day yesterday.

“We are working around the clock to ensure the debt is cleared. We are consulting with our sponsors, partners, and sympathisers to resolve the situation as soon as possible.

“We also have transfer business to handle; we really need reinforcements. The coaches have identified the players they want, and it’s crucial that we bring them in,” said Moyo.

Mr Wicknell Chivayo

Fifa has warned that the debt will continue to accrue interest at a rate of five percent per annum until the club settles its dues.

The coaches took their case to Fifa after several unsuccessful attempts to engage with Highlanders. This issue has been ongoing since last year. Highlanders were given a 45-day window to settle their debt with the Brazilian coaches but failed to meet the deadline.

The club owes Brito US$14 778, which has accumulated an additional US$237,71 in interest as of 17 October 2024. Torres is owed US$11 788, with interest of US$193,74 as of the same date.

These amounts are related to outstanding winning bonuses, which are directly paid by the club, while the coaches’ salaries are covered by sponsors.

Highlanders cannot afford to miss out on the window, as they are already reeling from the loss of four key players: Peter Muduhwa, Lynoth Chikuhwa, Godfrey Makaruse, and Marvelous Chigumira, who have all joined Scotland FC.

The club has also released defender Andrew Tandi and midfielder Brian “Gaucho” Ndlovu. —@innocentskizoe