News / National
Donation sparks Masvingo United turmoil
2 hrs ago |
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Masvingo United FC has reportedly been plunged into internal turmoil following President Emmerson Mnangagwa's donation of cash, a bus and a vehicle to the club, with factions now battling over its leadership amid claims that the team should align itself with the ruling Zanu PF.
The once title-chasing Eastern Region Soccer League side, popularly known as Una Una or The Busmen, currently sits eighth on the league table with 23 points from a possible 48, a run of form that sources attribute partly to growing divisions within the club.
According to sources close to the club, some supporters claiming links to Zanu PF have argued that, because the President pledged financial support and assets to the club, individuals perceived to be opposition sympathisers should no longer hold executive positions.
The alleged campaign is reportedly targeting club chairman and prominent lawyer Advocate Phillip Shumba, spokesperson Omen Mafa and executive member Collen Maboke.
Sources said a WhatsApp group advocating the removal of the current executive has already been created, while a letter purportedly written by the supporters' executive has been submitted calling for the resignation of the leadership.
Another source alleged that an online campaign bearing the slogan "Shumba Must Go" has also been launched.
One supporter dismissed the campaign, arguing that those demanding leadership changes were not legitimate members of the club.
"Those people have no right to change the executive because they are not even members, as they have paid nothing to the club for membership. They should simply keep quiet and let those who love the beautiful game enjoy it. These are people who are simply greedy, vanoda kukohwa pese pese nepavasina kurima," the supporter said.
The donation by President Mnangagwa was intended to strengthen Masvingo United's push for promotion to the Premier Soccer League after the club narrowly missed out last season.
The President pledged US$150,000, a bus and a vehicle to the club. According to sources, US$35,000 has already been disbursed, while the outstanding US$115,000, together with the pledged bus and vehicle, is expected to be handed over later.
Despite the reported internal campaign, sources said Advocate Shumba continues to provide significant financial support to the club, including paying rent and providing food for more than five key players.
Contacted for comment, Shumba said he was unaware of the alleged campaign and questioned how anyone could determine his political affiliation.
"I am not aware of those manoeuvres, and how does anyone even know my political affiliation? That is my personal secret," he said.
Maboke previously served as a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillor and was Mayor of Masvingo until 2023.
Club spokesperson Omen Mafa also said he was unaware of the allegations surrounding the reported campaign against the executive.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Maboke were unsuccessful as his phone went unanswered.
Masvingo United will be hoping to put the off-field distractions behind them when they host Yadah FC at Mucheke Stadium on Saturday as they seek to revive their promotion ambitions.
The once title-chasing Eastern Region Soccer League side, popularly known as Una Una or The Busmen, currently sits eighth on the league table with 23 points from a possible 48, a run of form that sources attribute partly to growing divisions within the club.
According to sources close to the club, some supporters claiming links to Zanu PF have argued that, because the President pledged financial support and assets to the club, individuals perceived to be opposition sympathisers should no longer hold executive positions.
The alleged campaign is reportedly targeting club chairman and prominent lawyer Advocate Phillip Shumba, spokesperson Omen Mafa and executive member Collen Maboke.
Sources said a WhatsApp group advocating the removal of the current executive has already been created, while a letter purportedly written by the supporters' executive has been submitted calling for the resignation of the leadership.
Another source alleged that an online campaign bearing the slogan "Shumba Must Go" has also been launched.
One supporter dismissed the campaign, arguing that those demanding leadership changes were not legitimate members of the club.
"Those people have no right to change the executive because they are not even members, as they have paid nothing to the club for membership. They should simply keep quiet and let those who love the beautiful game enjoy it. These are people who are simply greedy, vanoda kukohwa pese pese nepavasina kurima," the supporter said.
The President pledged US$150,000, a bus and a vehicle to the club. According to sources, US$35,000 has already been disbursed, while the outstanding US$115,000, together with the pledged bus and vehicle, is expected to be handed over later.
Despite the reported internal campaign, sources said Advocate Shumba continues to provide significant financial support to the club, including paying rent and providing food for more than five key players.
Contacted for comment, Shumba said he was unaware of the alleged campaign and questioned how anyone could determine his political affiliation.
"I am not aware of those manoeuvres, and how does anyone even know my political affiliation? That is my personal secret," he said.
Maboke previously served as a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillor and was Mayor of Masvingo until 2023.
Club spokesperson Omen Mafa also said he was unaware of the allegations surrounding the reported campaign against the executive.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Maboke were unsuccessful as his phone went unanswered.
Masvingo United will be hoping to put the off-field distractions behind them when they host Yadah FC at Mucheke Stadium on Saturday as they seek to revive their promotion ambitions.
Source - Midweek Watch
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