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No prize money for 2014 Uhuru Cup winners

Sport
THE Independence Cup final appears to have turned into a national service as the four clubs that took part in last year’s tournament are still to be paid their prize money with last year’s losing finalists Dynamos saying they will play this year’s final under protest.

THE Independence Cup final appears to have turned into a national service as the four clubs that took part in last year’s tournament are still to be paid their prize money with last year’s losing finalists Dynamos saying they will play this year’s final under protest.

BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA

Dynamos lost 3-0 on penalties to FC Platinum last year and were due to get $10 000 with the Zvishavane-based set to pocket $15 000. Third and fourth-placed Highlanders and Harare City were earmarked to get $7 000 and $5 000 respectively.

Zimbabwe celebrates 35 years of Independence tomorrow and as usual, four teams were selected to play in a tournament that will culminate in two finalists fighting to lay their hands on the trophy on the day as part of the commemorations.

The top four teams from last year’s Premier Soccer League campaign defending league champions Dynamos, ZPC Kariba, Caps United and FC Platinum were picked to play in the tournament this year.

And Dynamos and FC Platinum again qualified for the final on Wednesday after overcoming ZPC Kariba and Caps United in their respective assignments. Dynamos defeated ZPC Kariba 2-0 courtesy of goals by defenders Blessing Moyo and Obey Mwerahari while FC Platinum edged Caps United 6-5 on penalties to set up another final against Dynamos.

However, Dynamos president Keni Mubaiwa said they would play under protest over the outstanding money.

“We are going to play under protest. We are still to get the money- a year after we participated in the tournament. We also have not been paid for winning the Bob 91 Super Cup, this year,” Mubaiwa said.

Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) director Charles Nhemachena said they were aware of the outstanding prize money.

“The official position is that we are aware of the outstanding dues from last year’s tournament. What we have done is that we have engaged the ministry seeking assistance to mobilise resources to ensure that the teams are paid what is outstanding,” Nhemachena said.

This year, the winners will get $10 000 with the runners up getting $7 000. Third and fourth placed teams will get $4 000 and $3 000 respectively. The play off will be contested between Caps United and ZPC Kariba at White City Stadium tomorrow.

Government, through the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture has been struggling to fund sport due to a constrained fiscal space.

The Warriors, the Mighty Warriors and the Young Warriors have had to rely on individuals and corporates to support their various assignments.

Zimbabwe is expected to send a team to the All-Africa Games in Congo-Brazzaville in September to participate in various sporting disciplines and the SRC has already started mobilising resources for this adventure.

Last Sunday, the Under 23 football team qualified for the finals after beating Cameroon 2-1 on aggregate, while the beach volleyball team is in Mozambique this weekend for their qualifiers.