Harare City football club received a major boost after Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni, renowned for his fierce criticism of the way the team is being run, made a massive U-turn and threw his weight behind the Premiership on Thursday morning.

Harare City, who have declared they are gunning for the 2017 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League championship, were dogged by boardroom squabbles last month after Mayor Manyenyeni quit his post as patron of the team.

Mayor Manyenyeni cited alleged abuse of ratepayers’ funds at the club and also questioned the logic behind the council’s decision to inject $2 million into the football club at a time the City Council was struggling to provide residents with decent services.

However, during a bonding meeting for the football club held at the Town House Thursday the Harare Mayor publicly backed the team.

The development is set to boost morale at Harare City who are yet to register a win in the 2017 campaign following last week’s 1-2 defeat to Caps United which succeeded a goalless draw against Yadah FC on Match Day One.

“We will sort out our differences as we go along the way. Even if I am no longer the patron as the City Father I have to support you because I am part of you,” said the Mayor to a thunderous applause from the players.

“Some people will complain why the team is up to date when other council employees are six months behind, this is what we face but council management is not for players.

“Your business as players is to perform on the field of play. You are our ambassadors and you should promote the City’s brand.

“We will sort out our differences as we go along but feel very free to perform on the field of play. As long as I am Mayor I will watch three local games and one away game…I will one day come for the practice sessions,” assured the Mayor.