PIRATES PLAYERS BOYCOTT TRAINING OVER UNPAID SALARIES
By Vunganayi Bachi in Chegutu
Chegutu Pirates players boycotted training on Tuesday due to unpaid salaries, winning bonuses, and signing-on fees.
A player, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that they have not received any payments since January.
“We signed contract agreements that promised we would be paid signing-on fees, but nothing has happened, and we have remained silent about it.”
“Signing for this team is like an admission to be enslaved, as we also haven’t received our monthly salaries since January, nor our winning bonuses, draw allowances, and other incentives that were promised at the beginning of the season.”
“On numerous occasions, we have tried to engage with the Executive so they address us, but they have been evasive, and I believe this protest will send a clear message about our grievances.”
Financially struggling Chegutu community football team had a brief stint in the elite Premier League in 2024 before being demoted to Division One, primarily due to a financial crisis that negatively impacted the team’s performance.
Following their year of competing in the PSL, almost all players left to join other clubs that offered better salaries, despite that Pirates owed them outstanding wages.
To make a quick return to the Premier League after this mass exodus, Pirates hired Moses Chunga, a coach known for identifying and developing young talent, to help rebuild the team.
However, the ongoing financial difficulties remain a major stumbling block.
In the Northern Region Soccer League, indications are that Pirates are destined for lower Division as they are precariously sitting in the relagation zone as they have 4 points from the five games they have played.
Out of the games played, Pirates lost three games, drew one and won one
Supporters have voiced their frustration regarding the administration of the Chegutu community team.
“It’s time we evaluate how the Executive is contributing to the team. Some members are merely liabilities, acting like parasites that are draining a critically bleeding entity.”
“We were informed and have read that Chegutu Municipal Council entered into a partnership with a sponsor, but it seems the benefits are not reaching the intended recipients,” said Enock Taku
Efforts to get a comment from Pirates Chairman Admire Botso were fruitless as his call was not answered
