Langton Nyakwenda
The Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ)) have written to the Premier Soccer League pushing for the release of controversial striker Obriel Chirinda’s playing licence.
Chirinda joined Ngezi Platinum Stars from Bulawayo Chiefs last month.
But, he has already missed two league games and the Castle Challenge Cup after his licence was withheld by the PSL.
That was after Dynamos lodged a complaint with the league, arguing that Chirinda had also penned another deal with Harare giants, well before Ngezi Platinum Stars came into the picture.
The Footballers Union of Zimbabwe have now intervened and are demanding the release of Chirinda’s licence.
“The player’s registration with Ngezi Platinum Stars was procedural so we don’t see why it has taken this long for the PSL to release the player’s licence,” said FUZ secretary Wonder Sithole.
“The case is simple, the PSL must not continue withholding the player’s licence. They are now in breach of natural justice as they are denying the player his right to play.”
DeMbare also produced a copy of their contract with Chirinda, when they lodged their complaint.
Premier Soccer League CEO, Kenny Ndebele, said:
“Dynamos produced a copy of the contract when they lodged their complaint with the Premier Soccer League.
“So, in that case, we are holding the player’s licence until the matter is resolved by the Dispute Resolution Committee or whichever competent body will deal with that issue.
“Once the dispute is resolved, we will then issue the licence,” said Ndebele.
DeMbare negotiated and agreed with Chirinda last December, basing on the assumption that the striker was a free agent.
It turned out that Chirinda still had another year on his contract with Bulawayo Chiefs.
But, there were allegations that Bulawayo Chiefs had breached their contract with Chirinda by failing to pay the player his signing-on fees.
When Ngezi Platinum Stars found out Chirinda still had a running contract with Bulawayo Chiefs, they entered into negotiations with the club.
The two clubs agreed and Chirinda moved to Ngezi Platinum Stars.