Hwange Strike

he Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) announced the strike this morning after Hwange FC had not reacted to various urgent requests to pay its players. The premier league club’s management has not even answered letters written by the union. Nonetheless, FUZ is still trying to find a peaceful solution to this situation.

“Players’ contracts have been not been respected for almost two years”, FUZ President Desmond Maringwa says.

“The players have been very patient and loyal over this stressful period without any sign of improvement.”

Hwange FC has failed numerous times to pay its players:

• In 2015, all players received less than $500 USD, while the least paid player had a contract for $3,600 per year.
• This year, the players were paid $200 in salaries and $250 in bonuses.
• The players are owed $800 and $1,950 for winning bonuses in 2015 and 2016 respectively.
• Signing on fees have not been paid in the past two years.
• The only money players received are home game allowances ($10) and away game allowances ($20).
• Players were intimidated not to voice their concerns. Management threatened to evict them from their houses which are owned by the club.

Maringwa: “Our members have suffered financially, physically and emotionally for a very long time.”

“The players are struggling to survive. Some cannot pay their children’s school fees.”