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Simba Bhora FC star ordered to pay US$90 maintenance
15 hrs ago |
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A Mutoko magistrate has ordered Simba Bhora FC midfielder Barnabus Mutuche to pay US$90 per month in maintenance for his two minor children, bringing to an end a closely watched dispute that raised questions about parental responsibility and the true earnings of professional footballers.
Mutoko Magistrate Titus Makunike handed down the ruling following a maintenance inquiry initiated by Mutuche's former wife, Mary Nyamamiti, who had initially sought US$500 per month for the upkeep of the children. Nyamamiti told the court that the footballer had failed to meet his parental obligations after allegedly abandoning the family in July last year.
During the hearing held on January 16, 2026, Mutuche, through his lawyer Jackson Marange of Jackson Legal Practice, produced a letter from Simba Bhora FC dated December 18, 2025, stating that he earns about US$300 per month. A bank statement was also submitted to support the club's position on his earnings.
Nyamamiti, represented by Jairus Mutseyekwa of Sande Legal Practice, challenged the authenticity of the letter and the bank statement, arguing that they did not reflect Mutuche's true income. However, in an effort to narrow the dispute, Mutseyekwa later reduced the maintenance claim from US$500 to US$200 per month, aligning it with the income disclosed by the defence.
Mutuche offered to pay US$60 per month for both children, doubling the US$30 he had proposed when he first appeared in court without legal representation. He also undertook to pay school fees, suggesting that the children be enrolled at a government school to keep costs manageable.
After hearing submissions from both parties and considering the relevant provisions of the Maintenance Act and applicable case law, Magistrate Makunike ordered Mutuche to pay US$90 per month for the two children. The maintenance will run until the children attain the age of 18 or become self-supporting, whichever comes first. The court further directed the footballer to pay school fees for the children.
Mutoko Magistrate Titus Makunike handed down the ruling following a maintenance inquiry initiated by Mutuche's former wife, Mary Nyamamiti, who had initially sought US$500 per month for the upkeep of the children. Nyamamiti told the court that the footballer had failed to meet his parental obligations after allegedly abandoning the family in July last year.
During the hearing held on January 16, 2026, Mutuche, through his lawyer Jackson Marange of Jackson Legal Practice, produced a letter from Simba Bhora FC dated December 18, 2025, stating that he earns about US$300 per month. A bank statement was also submitted to support the club's position on his earnings.
Mutuche offered to pay US$60 per month for both children, doubling the US$30 he had proposed when he first appeared in court without legal representation. He also undertook to pay school fees, suggesting that the children be enrolled at a government school to keep costs manageable.
After hearing submissions from both parties and considering the relevant provisions of the Maintenance Act and applicable case law, Magistrate Makunike ordered Mutuche to pay US$90 per month for the two children. The maintenance will run until the children attain the age of 18 or become self-supporting, whichever comes first. The court further directed the footballer to pay school fees for the children.
Source - newzimbabwe
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