THE Chitungwiza Municipality executive got exposed on Saturday after its unhappy players took matters into their own hands by collecting gate takings in a desperate bid to recover dues owed to them by the club. 

Chitungwiza Municipality players refused to take to the field for their Northern Region Soccer League home fixture against pacesetters Herentals at Chibuku.

Instead, the players went to the gates and collected money from spectators that were gaining entry to watch the game that was delayed by approximately 20 minutes.

Sportszone understands that the Chitungwiza Municipality executive hasn’t lived up to its promise of paying its personnel since the start of the season.

“True…we owe them. We owe them substantial amount,” Chitungwiza Municipality chairman, Ranganai Gona, told Sportszone.

Although Chitungwiza Municipality would go on to claim the match 1-0 and hand Herentals their third defeat of the season, the players’ conduct left a lot to be desired and indicated serious problems at the club.

Gona added: “in true sense, it’s not (right) but as you know if one is owed he can do whatever. However, I am happy that treasurer and secretary made an arrangement with them.

“At the same time let me congratulate the team for their effort in downing the said Premier aspirants.”

With 27 points in 24 games, Chitungwiza Municipality still have a lot to deal with fighting relegation and managing disgruntled players in the remaining 10 matches.

Also involved in the relegation battle are Trojan Stars, Kariba Waves, Shamva and Darwin United while Mufakose United, ZRP Morris and Harare City Cubs are out of the relegation zone but have little difference with the bottom five.

Meanwhile, the NRSL championship race is still in Herentals’ favour, who maintain a 16-point lead, but the result at Chitungwiza Municipality might have served as a reality check for the log leaders.

Of the chasing pack, only Blue Swallows, ZRP FC and Karoi United bagged wins and tried to reduce the gap that still remains a hurdle.

Closest to the apex are Golden Valley and Mushowani Stars who lost and drew their games respectively.

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