MIDWEEK REPORTER
MASVINGO-One of the most supported community teams in the country, Masvingo Utd FC aka Una Una or The Busmen have been thrown into turmoil following a bus and $150 000 donation by President Mnangagwa.
A section of the supporters claiming to have connections in the ruling Zanu PF party are saying the club belong to the party by virtue of having been given a vehicle, a bus and $150 00 by the President and perceived opposition sympathisers have no business being in the club’s executive.
The internal fights have heavily affected the once title contenders performance on the field of play and they are now on position 8 with a paltry 23 points out of a possible 48, virtually throwing themselves out of the title race.
The donation by President Mnangagwa was aimed at boosting the club’s fortunes and ensure that they get promoted into the premier league which they missed by a whisker last season.
The Midweek Watch has been informed by close sources that a whatsapp group has been formed by supporters calling for the dismissal of the entire executive led by prominent lawyer Phillip Shumba who has been largely financing the club for the past seven years.
The sources said the target is Shumba, Omen Mafa and Collen Maboke who are believed not to be sympathetic the ruling party.
One supporter laughed at the supporters saying that those calling for the removal of certain executives are not paid up and have never paid anything to the club, but being vocal.
“Those people have no right to change the executive because they are not even members because they have paid nothing to the club for membership, they should simply keep quite and let those who love the beautiful game enjoy the game, these are people whosimply greedy, vanoda kukohwa pese pese nepavasina kurima,” said the source who refused to share the letter.
When contacted for a comment Shumba said he is not aware of the maneuvers and questioned how one gets to know his political affiliation as that his secret.
Maboke was once an opposition CCC councilor and served as City of Masvingo Mayor for five years until 2023.
According to sources close to the club, a letter purportedly written by the club’s supporters’ executive has been submitted to the executive committee calling for their resignation.
A source further alleged that a whatapp group campaign bearing the slogan “Shumba Must Go” has already been launched to push for Advocate Shumba’s removal.
Despite the alleged campaign, sources said Advocate Shumba continues to personally support the club by paying rent and providing food for more than five key players.
Sources also claimed that the remainder of President ‘s donation to the club is expected to be delivered soon.
The President pledged US$150,000 to Masvingo United, of which US$35,000 has reportedly already been released earlier this year.
The outstanding US$115,000, together with a bus and a vehicle that were also pledged are reportedly expected to be handed over in due course.
Contacted for comment, Masvingo United FC spokesperson Mafa said he was not aware of the allegations.
At the time of publication, Maboke had not commented on the matter as his phone was not answered.
Masvingo United FC currently sit eighth on the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League table with 23 points. The club is scheduled to host Yadah FC at Mucheke Stadium this Saturday.
