Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub, Bulawayo Co-ordinator
BONGANI Mafu may smile all the way to the bank after winning his unfair dismissal case over Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League defending champions Ngezi Platinum have been ordered to pay former coach Bongani Mafu a sum close to US$200 000.
It could not be ascertained last night if the platinum miners had appealed the judgement as they were given up to September 10 to appeal against the Fifa determination or face a transfer ban up to the second transfer-window of 2026 if they do not pay the full amount in 45 days.
This would be a blow to the club’s quest to stay competitive and the recklessness that could cost the club a fortune if they eventually lose their appeal or don’t, could turn out to benefit players and coaches who have been subjects of unfair labour prices.
Contractual obligations stay binding.
According to Fifa documents sent to the member association Zifa, the Confederation of African Football (Caf), Zifa and the Mafu camp, the decision was arrived at on August 27 and the parties sent communication three days later.
Efforts to get confirmation from Ngezi Platinum FC last night were not successful and the
Zifa media department had promised to return to Zimpapers Sports Hub.
The Zifa chief executive officer Yvonne Manwa was the Ngezi Platinum chief executive officer when Mafu and head coach Benjani Mwaruwari were fired in 2022.
“Ngezi Platinum Stars FC, must pay to the claimmant (Bongani Mafu) US$196,750 as compensation for breach of contract without just cause. The decision was passed on the 27th of August 2024 by Fifa Football tribunal’s Player Status Chamber. The decision was communicated to Ngezi Platinum Stars Football Club, Bongani Mafu, Zifa and Caf on the 30th of August 2024,” read an extract of the letter from the international soccer motherbody.
The judgement comes at a time when the club is also facing another fight with Cosmas Zulu who is demanding a portion of his signing on fees.
He was discharged from the club with Ngezi giving him a severance package and refusing to pay outstanding signing-on fees from his four-year contract signed in 2019.
