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FC Platinum sues Gumbo

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DAGGERS have been drawn between former FC Platinum Football Club coach Rahman Gumbo and his ex-employer over his use of the club house and an Isuzu double cab motor vehicle.

DAGGERS have been drawn between former FC Platinum Football Club coach Rahman Gumbo and his ex-employer over his use of the club house and an Isuzu double cab motor vehicle.

REPORT SENIOR COURT REPORTER

FC Platinum claims Gumbo repudiated his contract with the club in October last year, thereby rendering his use of the club’s assets illegal.

The football club recently filed an application at the High Court under case number HC1600/13 seeking to compel Gumbo to surrender the vehicle and official residence, number 10 Impala Road Abvalorem, Zvishavane.

The matter is yet to be heard.

But Gumbo, whose other name was reflected as Allen in court papers, has through, his lawyers, dismissed FC Platinum’s claim as “mischief”.

“With respect, the letter of reinstatement by plaintiff dated September 25, 2012 is nothing but an exercise in mischief. There is nowhere plaintiff would have reinstated the defendant when the same dispute was already before the labour officer and the same is yet to be finalised,” Gumbo said.

“Clearly it defies logic on how plaintiff could allege repudiation of contract by defendant when the dispute in issue is still seized with the labour officer. The only dispute remaining between the parties is whether it is possible to reinstate the defendant on his employment or defendant has to be paid damages in lieu of the unlawful termination of his contract.”

FC Platinum granted Gumbo use of the club’s property as part of his employment contract after engaging him as head coach in June 2011.

In July last year, Gumbo was fired by the club, but was later reinstated following the intervention of his lawyers.

“As a result of the defendant’s continued unlawful occupation of plaintiff’s house, the plaintiff will suffer holding over damages at the rate of $400 per month with effect from March 1, 2013 up to the date of defendant’s eviction being reasonable rentals for the house,” the club said.

“Therefore the applicant seeks an order for the ejectment of the defendant and all persons claiming occupation through him from house number 10 Impala, payment of holding over damages and the delivery of the plaintiff’s vehicle.”

FC Platinum said in the event that Gumbo felt he could not surrender the car, it would demand $35 000 from him which was equivalent to the actual value of the car.