Player exodus looms at Shabanie

Sport
A player exodus is looming at Shabanie Mine, with 8players reportedly on their way out of the 2013 BancABC Sup8r champions in search of greener pastures

A MASSIVE player exodus is looming at Premier Soccer League outfit Shabanie Mine, with eight players reportedly on their way out of the 2013 BancABC Sup8r champions in search of greener pastures.

EPHRAIM SHOKO SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

Sources at the Zvishavane-based club told our sister paper NewsDay Sport that recurrent financial woes that hit the club during the course of the just-ended season brewed frustration among the players, most of whom have since shown intentions to server ties with the Chinda Boys.

Throughout last season Shabanie Mine struggled to pay players winning bonuses and salaries, and on numerous occasions angry players would break camp in protest over unpaid dues.

“The situation is not healthy at the club. Most of the players are considering cutting ties with Shabanie Mine. Last season the players struggled to make ends meet as the club could not pay them. Most of them had to survive on benevolence from club supporters,” the source said.

Imposing striker Tarisai Rukanda, Warriors fringe player Frank Bushiri and Erea Phiri are reported to be on the verge of crossing the great divide to Shabanie Mine bitter rivals FC Platinum.

FC Platinum spokesperson Chido Chizondo could neither confirm nor deny FC Platinum’s links with the three. “Well, right now I’m not in a position to discuss who we are going to bring on board. We will make an official statement on December 31 when we will be certain of who is coming in and who will be leaving the club,” she said.

Fungai Chirinda, Valentine Ndaba and Nigel Hunda have been linked to newly-promoted airforce side Chapungu who are working on strengthening their squad ahead of the coming season.

Tough tackling defender Smart Muchabaiwa and bustling striker Caleb Masocha are reported to be in talks with another newly-promoted side Plumtree Chiefs, formerly Bulawayo Chiefs, who are under the tutelage of Thulani Sibanda.

Shabanie Mine secretary-general, Pithius Shoko said he was not aware of any player who has shown intentions of exiting the club.

He, however, emphasised that the club would not stand in the way of any player willing to find another home.

“I am not aware of any player willing to leave the club. We have not received any communication to that effect from any of our players. I must say that as a club we have an open policy and we will not prevent anyone from leaving the club.

“These players are adults and are free to make any decision they feel is right for them and their career. We are a professional club and treat all our players in a professional manner,” he said.

Shabanie Mine are yet to confirm the services of coach Luke Masomere, whose contract with the club expires on December 31 this year.

Masomere has not made secret his desire to server ties with Shabanie Mine and has already been interviewed by Mutare-based Buffaloes for the top job where he faces competition from former Eagles and Dynamos midfielder Elvis “Chuchu” Chiweshe.