Player Revolt Shakes Caps

CAPS United have been shaken by a revolt after the club's players boycotted training yesterday in protest over salaries for May, which had not been paid by yesterday and outstanding winning bonuses. 

The Green Machine leadership said the action by their players caught them by surprise given that they had advised them the May salaries would be delayed, because of a difficult operating environment and would only be paid today.

Club chief executive Cuthbert Chitima said they advised their players that the salaries for May would be delayed and be paid today, but they were surprised players boycotted training.

"The true picture is that we owe our players their salaries for May and communication was provided that payment of the salaries would be delayed, but would be paid on June 15," said Chitima.

Player Revolt Shakes Caps

"We are operating in a difficult economic environment, but as a club, we have always tried to ensure that the welfare of our players is taken care of, without fail.

"We might delay here and there, but we are an institution that always honour its promises and after all, we are not the only organisation that has been delaying the payment of salaries because of the tough times that we are living in.

"Against that background, we are concerned that the players decided to boycott training today (yesterday) without first engaging the officials and we will try to find a solution so that this won't affect our programmes.

"It's unfortunate the president (Farai Jere) is out of the country and is only expected tomorrow (today) but these guys had been told to expect their monies by the 15th (June) which is tomorrow (today) because of certain hitches we are facing in the current economic climate."

There were reports that some of the new players were yet to be paid their signing-on fees since they joined the Green Machine at the beginning of the year.

Makepekepe have had a bright start to their campaign this year after winning five of their nine matches, drawing three and losing one under the tutelage of Lloyd Chitembwe. They are currently third on the log standings with 18 points, two behind leaders FC Platinum.

The news of the boycott hit the leadership by surprise because they had explained the club's position to their players and even promising them to expect payment by today.

The Green Machine played out a goalless draw against Triangle in their last match at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

They are expected to travel to Mutare this weekend for a date with Mutare City Rovers on Saturday.

CAPS United, unlike their big rivals Dynamos and Highlanders, have to look for financial resources -- which are largely sourced from the pockets of the leader -- for the salaries of the players.

The salaries for the players and technical staff at Bosso and De- Mbare are bankrolled by BancABC.

The Green Machine have been battling to profile themselves as a professional club and acquired club offices in Eastlea manned by a full-time staff.

Only a few weeks ago, they broke with tradition by flying to Bulawayo for a league match against league champions Chicken Inn.