The Sunday News
Lovemore Dube
WANTAWAY Zimbabwean striker at Azam FC in the Tanzanian Premiership, Prince Dube has a US$300 000 release clause.
That means any team interested in his services is expected to pay at least that or better.
Dube has set the social media alight with his intentions to leave the Tanzanian giants in the last few days. He has taken to social media to insinuate that his club coach is a racist, allegations shot down by the club on Friday.
In an interview Abdulkarim Nurdin, the team’s chief executive officer revealed on Thursday that Dube would have to fork out US$300 000 if he entertained being a free agent.
“It was Dube and his agent and Highlanders who pegged the price at US$300 000 when he came on board in 2020. They said there was a deal with a French company that wanted Dube and that they would not pay less than that figure. Since we cared about his welfare we agreed to that. Just recently he extended his contract at the club to 2026. He is contracted and he knows what can be done. In any case he is our only striker, the transfer window is closed, where do we get a replacement now?” asked Nurdin.
While Nurdin could not confirm how much he had earned for the contract extension, it is believed he was paid US$150 000.
He earns US$8 000 a month after tax with his winning bonus pegged at US$500. The Azam chief executive officer, said there was nothing unusual with what Dube did. He said it can be a matter of the player looking for greener pastures in Tanzania as there has been speculation that Young Africans are keen on the Zimbabwean.
“We have taken good care of Dube and he is still our player. We are not going to take any action on him. He is our player and has a running contract. No club has reached out to us for his signature. He remains our player unless he buys himself out of contract. His release clause is clear, we have to be compensated to the tune of US$300 000. So if he wants to go, it is simple, he must bring back the signing on fees and pay us back US$300 000 and mind you Highlanders has a share according to the agreement we made back then,” said Nurdin.
Dube a scorer of great goals last week announced he had written to Azam seeking a move away from the club. He also took a dig at the club coach accusing him of being a racist.
“The difference between me and coach Yusuf Dabo is that he is selfish and racist, let me go, I don’t need to stay again at Azam FC,” the Zimbabwean was quoted as having allegedly posted on social media.
Nurdin shot down the insinuation that Dube was being victimised on racial lines.
“There is unity in our camp, we are second on the log and enjoying a good run. There is no racism at all, all players are treated well, with dignity my brother. We are a professional side and are not reading much into his alleged wrong doing,” said Nurdin.
Nurdin insisted that they would at no stage stand on the player’s path. He challenged Dube to look for US$300 000 first before he can be attended to by the club.
“Even now if he comes with the US$300 000 we can sit down and release him. Otherwise he has to finish his contract with us or until a club comes on board and offers a good deal for us and himself,” said Nurdin.
Dube who started on a salary of about US$2 500 and is accommodated at a beautiful suburb overlooking the sea scored 14 goals and had five assists in 2020/21 and missed seven matches due to injury. He played 23 out of 30 games and missed one Tanzania FA Cup match for the same reason. The following season Dube scored one goal and had two assists in the 14 out of 30 league matches he played.
Dube missed 10 matches due to injury and started off the bench in six. He had a far much better football year in 2023 scoring 12 goals in 26 matches after missing another four due to injury. This year has not spared him from injuries as he has already missed seven games out of 19. He has been on target seven times.
His statistics have earned him love from Azam who have extended his contract to 2026 despite his propensity to injuries because they know what a fully fit Dube can do. Azam are convinced The Prince will stay. And when he has weathered the storm, goals will flow.
