Dynamos still wait for prize money
Dynamos yet to receive money
Posted: 2008-12-02 11:29
Zimbabwe champions Dynamos are having sleepless nights following reports that their African Champions League prize money has been diverted by the government to fund ‘urgent national programmes’, among them the cholera epidemic.
According to reports from across the border, speculation over the ‘missing’ money continued to mount throughout last week, much to the dismay of players who then unsuccessfully sought an audience with their management over the issue.
Dynamos are set to receive R4,5-million from the Confederation of African Football for reaching the semi-finals of this year’s Champions League. But two weeks after Egyptian powerhouses Al Ahly claimed the R10-million winners’ prize - and more than a month after losing to Cameroonian giants Cotonsport Garoua - the Zimbabweans are still to hear from the continental soccer governing body.
The development has caused much anxiety within the Dynamos’ camp, and reports the prize money was deposited into the club account almost a fortnight ago but cannot be withdrawn for some mysterious reasons has not helped matters.
But it has since been learnt CAF only disbursed half the prize money (R2,2-million) last week, with the rest set to be released towards the end of the year.
The money was not credited to Dynamos account, but a Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe account following instructions from the Zimbabwe Football Association ‘as a way of making sure the money is fully accounted for, and benefits the intended beneficiaries,’ according to Zifa chief executive officer Henrietta Rushwaya.
Zifa’s precautions seem to have been prompted by reports that Dynamos owe too many creditors who are waiting to swoop on the payout once it has been released by CAF, which would leave the players with virtually nothing.
“We received communication from CAF on Tuesday asking for banking details with regards the disbursement of Dynamos’ prize money. As a way of ensuring accountability, we instructed Caf to deposit the money into a CBZ account since Zifa will also receive R225 000 from CAF according to the rules and regulations governing the Champions League competition.
The uncertainty surrounding the windfall has brought much anxiety within the Dynamos’ camp. Players fear they will enter the festive season without receiving the expected windfall.
“Some of us will have our contracts with Dynamos expiring at the end of the season and are thinking of moving on, so we cannot accept this talk about getting the money next year,” said a senior player who refused to be named.
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