By Delicious Mathuthu | ZimLive |
REDCLIFF – Kwekwe United Football Club says it needs about US$40,000 per month for the smooth running of the club following their promotion to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
The club made the revelation as officials publicly apologised for failing to fulfil their fixture against Herentals FC on Tuesday after players went on strike over unpaid salaries and bonuses.
Club president and founder Phil Makekera, speaking at a news conference in Redcliff on Thursday, expressed regret over their no-show while appealing for understanding from fans, sponsors and league chiefs.
The club has been summoned to a disciplinary hearing by the league.
“We apologise for what happened. We were supposed to be there and we failed. I understand the disappointment,” said Makekera.
He said the club is struggling with the financial demands of top flight football.
Club chairman Francis Tayagadza said they had reached an understanding with their players and they do not expect a repeat of the events of early this week.
“Going forward, we reassure the football family that such incidents won’t happen again,” Tayahadza vowed.
Tayagadza disclosed that the players had not received one month’s salary and a winning bonus before their strike.
Makekera dismissed social media claims that he had rejected sponsorship offers.
“There’s not a single person who has approached me to sponsor the team and I’ve refused,” he said, adding that he has been personally covering most of the club’s expenses.
Board member and former Zimbabwe national team coach Benedict Moyo stated that the executive is actively working to address the outstanding payments.
“We’re doing something as an executive for them to get their dues… but we’ve also managed to convince the youngsters to prepare, to be at peak performance,” said Moyo.
The club revealed that it requires approximately US$35,000 to US$40,000 per month to remain operational in the PSL, covering salaries, logistics, and match expenses.
As the club seeks to restore trust with its current players and supporters, officials have called for increased community and corporate support to ensure its sustainability.
