Ngezi Platinum hit with transfer ban

Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League club Ngezi Platinum has been slapped with a transfer ban following its failure to pay former coach Bongani Mafu the US$196,000 awarded in damages for unlawful dismissal.

Mafu, who was dismissed in 2022 alongside his colleague Benjani Mwaruwari, took the matter to FIFA, alleging violations of their contractual rights. The case was subsequently referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which upheld the decision in their favour. Mwaruwari is also seeking US$600,000 in damages.

Despite being given a deadline to settle the matter, Ngezi Platinum failed to pay, prompting FIFA to take action. Americo Espallargas, FIFA's Head of Disciplinary, wrote to the Zimbabwe Football Association on Wednesday to enforce the ban.

The club has already experienced a mass exodus, losing seven players and coach Takesure Chiragwi to Caps United, raising concerns that the team may collapse or even sell its franchise, only to return later under a new identity.

In its letter, FIFA stated that Ngezi Platinum Stars FC has not complied with its financial obligations and confirmed the ban on registering new players both nationally and internationally. The ban will remain in place until the owed amount is paid, for a maximum of three consecutive registration periods, and the Zimbabwe Football Association has been instructed to enforce it immediately at the national level.

This latest development places significant pressure on Ngezi Platinum, potentially affecting its competitiveness in the upcoming PSL season.