Zimbabwe: Dynamos Fire 3 Senior Players

Source from:  The Herald (Harare) November 2, 2006 11/06/2006

PREMIERSHIP giants Dynamos yesterday fired three senior players -- former captain Givemore Manuella, Benard Benesi and David Kutyauripo -- for alleged gross indiscipline. They have all been placed on free transfer. This followed the players' decision to boycott training at Raylton Sports Club on Tuesday protesting against the delay in getting their October salaries. The fired trio was among 36 players who were demanding a review of their monthly salary -- currently pegged at $30 000 -- and supposed to cover the players' housing and transport needs. It also emerged last night that the original list of the alleged bad boys also included captain Norman Togara and veteran midfielder Ronald Sibanda. Togara and Sibanda were, however, spared the axe. On failing to access their "paltry" salaries from the bank on Tuesday morning, the players are said to have refused to attend training sessions. This is said to have prompted head coach David Mandigora to alert Dynamos technical director Sunday Chidzambwa, who then drove to Raylton and addressed the striking players. Chidzambwa is said to have told the players that the club had already approached leading tobacco manufacturing company, Savannah who provide salaries for the Dynamos players, with the concerns. Savannah are said to have agreed to a review of the $30 000 salaries although adjustments were only expected for this month. After Chidzambwa's address, the players left for their homes and normal service resumed yesterday. But midfielders Benesi and Manuella together with defender Kutyauripo were handed dismissal letters -- written by Dynamos vice-chairman Simon Sachiti -- after yesterday's practice session. The three players have been barred from entering Raylton Sports Club and the letters were also copied to the Dynamos head of security, a clear sign that the club is determined to enforce the decision. Kutyauripo was even barred from "interfering in any way with Dynamos players", which is, however, a clear violation of the player's freedom of association as enshrined in the country's constitution. Benesi was fired earlier in the season for indiscipline but was pardoned after he apologised. Sachiti confirmed yesterday that the club had decided to fire the trio for influencing other players to revolt against club officials. "We employ people to play football but when they decide not to do so, we will have a big problem. They have been naughty and we have failed to control them. The technical staff have had enough with them and we will not tolerate indiscipline at Dynamos. "They influenced other players not to train yesterday (Tuesday) but the problem has nothing to do with the public, it's between the players and the executive. "Anyone who brings the game of football into disrepute will not have a place at Dynamos and we feel it's good for the club to get rid of such players. "They were doing very well, they were all being co-operative but we don't know what has happened to them," said Sachiti. Kutyauripo and Benesi gave their side of the story yesterday afternoon and complained that they had been victimised and treated unfairly by the executive. "Yesterday (Tuesday), we went to check for our salaries in our accounts before training and it was not yet reflecting. "And everybody agreed not to train and we told the coaches who then called Sunday Chidzambwa who came and addressed us together with Brian Kashangura and (acting team manager) Chifamba. "We expressed our grievances that the $30 000 salary we were getting was not enough to cover for our rentals, housing and food. We have been asking for an increment since July and they kept on saying they have given the papers to Savanna, our sponsors, and they were waiting for a response. "There were 36 players and everyone was involved, everyone would raise his point but today the manager Chifamba gave the three of us letters after training without any explanation. "I feel it has been too much for me at Dynamos since I was once fired. And I believe I was no longer wanted within the Dynamos set-up. I will move on with my career because I believe I am talented and will express my talents elsewhere," said Benesi. Kutyauripo said it was even sad that Dynamos officials have dumped him at a time he has been fighting Sundowns to let him stay at the popular Harare giants. "I love Dynamos and would have loved to continue playing for them but they have decided to treat us this way. "I have never complained concerning financial matters since joining Dynamos and I don't know what wrong I did. We did not get an explanation from the executive. "I will not go back to Sundowns but I will keep on training waiting for the season to end before joining another team," said Kutyauripo. They both wished for a Players' Union that would help the players in situations like these. "If we just try to air our grievances we are fired -- look at what happened to (Francis) Chandida and how many players have been fired this season," said Benesi. It is understood Manuella has been given 20 days notice to vacate the house which was being rented for him by Dynamos in Glen Norah. Dynamos' season virtually ended last week when they were knocked out of the CBZ Cup by Premiership newcomers Mwana Africa. There are just four more matches remaining in the league campaign but Dynamos are now merely fighting for a top four finish as they cannot stop leaders and favourites Highlanders. l Bakers Inn will this afternoon officially unveil the medical aid scheme they clinched for Dynamos with Premier Service Medical Aid Society. Under the deal, all contracted Dynamos players will be on medical aid with PSMAS. Today's occasion is expected to be graced by the Minister of Policy Implementation, Webster Shamu, Mashonaland East Governor Ray Kaukonde and PSMAS representatives. Enditem