Dembare strike continues

Dynamos' clash with Black Rhinos in the Chibuku Super Cup first round this weekend hangs in the balance after the Harare giants' players yesterday vowed that they will not fulfil their game if their grievances are not addressed.

The players' industrial action entered a third day on Wednesday as they continued to press for immediate payment of the bonuses and allowances they are owed by the club.

The players are also protesting the club leadership's decision to withdraw allowances for injured players.

Disgruntled members of the Dembare squad yesterday remained adamant that they will only resume training once the Kenny Mubaiwa-led executive addresses them and makes guarantees to pay their outstanding balances before the game against Black Rhinos at Gwanzura Stadium on Sunday.

"We have even resolved that we will boycott Sunday's game if our grievances are not met. Someone in the executive with a big ego was heard saying he won't yield to our demands and is trying to use the divide and rule strategy amongst us.

"That person thought that by now we would have resumed training, but he is in for the biggest shock of his life," fumed a senior player.

The players also allege the same senior executive was now a law unto himself and his arrogance has reached alarming levels, such that he is now going against he executive's decision to give them the agreed dues.

The senior player, who spoke on condition of anonymity pleaded with the clubs directors to reign in on the individual, whom the players have been complaining about since March.

"We want our fans to understand that our actions are not tantamount to holding the club to ransom and we are actually grateful to the club as no-one is bigger than Dynamos, nor are we trying to usurp the powers of the executive.

"But we want the house to be cleaned of this evil person who is acting against the club's interests," he added.

Indications from the Dynamos camp are that players are owed amounts ranging from $400-600 each,  depending on the number of games the players took part in.

With the strike set to enter into its fourth today, there appears to be no solution in sight as the Dynamos chairperson Kenny Mubaiwa came out guns blazing yesterday, accusing the players of double standards and wanting to hold the club at ransom.

He questioned why the players reported their grievances first to the media yet the club has proper channels in place for them to be heard.

"As the chairman of the club I don't think it's proper for the guys to sidestep and pressurise me to come and address them.

"They should have first approached me so that we have dialogue and thereafter if I don't meet their demands, they strike," said Mubaiwa.

The Dynamos chairman also appealed to the players' conscience, insisting that they should appreciate the good his executive has done for them and reward the club on the field of play.

"The players need to stay focused and not be swayed by other forces because it will be suicidal for them to think that by beating CAPS and Highlanders, we have won the league and use those victories as bargaining power," he added.

The Dynamos boss is expected to meet the players today (Thursday) as the club executive attempts to rescue the situation.