Kwekwe United Reveal US$40,000 Monthly Costs After Players’ Strike Forces Fixture No-Show
Kwekwe United Reveal US$40,000 Monthly Costs After Players’ Strike Forces Fixture No-Show – Financial struggles have rocked newly promoted Castle Lager Premier Soccer League side Kwekwe United, with club president Phil Makekera revealing that they require around US$40,000 per month to sustain operations in the top-flight league.
The admission came as the club issued a public apology for failing to fulfill their league fixture against Herentals FC earlier this week, a no-show caused by a players’ strike over unpaid salaries and bonuses.
Speaking during a news conference in Redcliff on Thursday, a visibly emotional Makekera took full responsibility for the missed match.
“We apologise for what happened. We were supposed to be there and we failed. I understand the disappointment,” Makekera said.
He appealed for patience from supporters, sponsors, and the league’s leadership, insisting that “there’s not a single person who has approached me to sponsor the team and I’ve refused.” Makekera stressed that, to date, he had been personally funding the bulk of the club’s operations.
In a dramatic incident that highlighted the crisis, Makekera was recently captured on video kneeling and clapping his hands, pleading with players to attend training amid the pay dispute. The video has since gone viral, symbolizing the tensions within the team after their promotion to the PSL.
ALSO READ: Kwekwe United Owner Kneels Before Players, Begs Them to Attend Training
Club chairman Francis Tayagadza, meanwhile, reassured the football fraternity that such chaos would not happen again.
“Going forward, we reassure the football family that such incidents won’t happen again,” Tayagadza pledged, confirming that an agreement had now been reached with the players after the payment standoff.
Tayagadza admitted that the players had missed a month’s salary and were owed winning bonuses, but emphasized that the matter was being addressed urgently.
“We are working hard to find solutions so that our players are taken care of,” he added.
Board member and ex-national team coach Benedict Moyo also weighed in, explaining that efforts were ongoing to settle outstanding payments.
“We’re doing something as an executive for them to get their dues… but we’ve also managed to convince the youngsters to prepare, to be at peak performance,” said Moyo.
The club now faces disciplinary action, having been summoned by the Premier Soccer League for failing to turn up for their match. Internally, the financial burden is becoming increasingly difficult to shoulder, with club officials confirming that monthly expenses—including salaries, logistics, and match-day costs—run between US$35,000 and US$40,000.
Despite the setback, Makekera remains hopeful.
“We just need the community, businesses, and fans to rally behind us. We are determined to fight on,” he said.
