Ngezi Platinum Stars, the reigning football champions of Zimbabwe, are facing a potentially severe financial challenge.
Former coach Benjani Mwaruwari has filed a claim with FIFA, seeking an astonishing US$1.6 million for what he claims was unfair dismissal.
This comes shortly after FIFA ordered the club to compensate former assistant coach Bongani Mafu nearly US$200,000, following a similar breach-of-contract case.
Mafu, who worked alongside Benjani at Ngezi Platinum Stars before both were dismissed a few months into their tenure, was awarded US$196,750 in compensation for what FIFA determined was an unjust termination of his contract.
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FIFA’s ruling on Mafu’s case was finalized on August 27, 2024, with the club being given until early September to appeal or face potential sanctions, including a two-year transfer ban stretching until 2026.
Insiders believe that the successful outcome of Mafu’s case could set a precedent for Benjani’s claim, making it more likely that he will win his case as well.
If Benjani is awarded the full US$1.6 million he is seeking, it could mark the largest compensation payout in Southern African football for such a case. The situation could have broader implications for Zimbabwean football, with other coaches, including Norman Mapeza, Sunday Chidzambwa, and Callisto Pasuwa, potentially pursuing their own claims for unpaid dues.
The same agent, Ndaba Nyathi, who represented both Mafu and Benjani, appears to have deep expertise in handling these types of disputes, which further strengthens their case.
As the situation unfolds, the club could face significant financial repercussions, adding pressure to resolve these disputes promptly.
In addition, another former Ngezi assistant coach, Cosmas Zulu, is reported to be preparing his own claim for unfair dismissal, citing similar issues with the club’s handling of contracts.
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For comments, Feedback and Opinions do get in touch with our editor on WhatsApp: +44 7949 297606.