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Fungai Muderere, [email protected]

BULAWAYO Chiefs FC players yesterday boycotted training for the second day running ahead of their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against Dynamos set for tomorrow at Barbourfields Stadium.

We have it on good authority that the players who have not been paid for some time now first refused to train on Wednesday morning at Luveve Stadium.

Their second industrial action was caught on camera by Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday at Barbourfields Stadium where they were scheduled to conduct an afternoon training session.

The players were seen having a meeting while the club’s coaches that included head coach Johanisi Nhumwa, Bekithemba Ndlovu and Shadreck Mlauzi were on the pitch putting on their training regalia.

According to some of the team’s players who requested anonymity, they were on Tuesday given $100 each, US$50 being part of their May salaries.

The remainder was reportedly a draw bonus amount they were given for holding Chicken Inn to a one all draw last weekend in a match that was played at Luveve Stadium.

“It really hurts my brother. We can’t survive on this. Some of us have school fees to pay and extended families to cater for. We will see how it goes but we want our dues,” said one of the players. The other player said they were slowly getting frustrated hence there was a need for the club’s leadership to look into their case.

Bulawayo Chiefs spokesperson Thulani ”Javas” Sibanda could not be contacted for comment as his mobile phone went unanswered.

Last year, Bulawayo Chiefs players and coaches took the side to court for failure to share US$70 000 in prizemoney earned when the club clinched the 2022 Chibuku Super Cup.

The players have appealed to the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa), Premier Soccer League (PSL) and the Sports and Recreation Commission to address their welfare issues.

The country continues to lose talent to football leagues in neighbouring countries and beyond as players seek greener pastures. It will take a miracle for Chiefs to beat DeMbare as morale is very low. Under the mentorship of their interim head coach Genesis Mangombe, DeMbare have been grabbing crucial points.

Mangombe took over from Herbert Maruwa a couple of weeks ago and since then the Glamour Boys have been in great form registering three wins and two draws in their last five games.

This has taken their points tally to 36, six behind log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars. The blue and white from the capital are hoping to win against Amakhosi Amahle who are on number 11 with 26 points.

DeMbare have quality in their camp and they are ably led by captain Frank Makarati and Emmanuel Jalai.

Makarati said morale is high in their camp. “We are really grateful to our technical team and our sponsors. Morale is high and we hope to continue doing well. It’s still a marathon,” said Makarati.

Their game against Highlanders that was also staged at Emagumeni last weekend ended prematurely after Boso fans invaded the pitch when Dynamos were leading 2-0.