Kwekwe United Reveals Shocking Monthly Costs To Stay In Zimbabwe PSL
Struggling Kwekwe United Football Club has revealed it needs up to US$40,000 (approx. R760,000) every month to stay afloat in Zimbabwe’s top-flight football league — a staggering figure that has shocked many supporters and South African fans alike.
Players Strike Over Unpaid Salaries
The newly-promoted side made headlines this week after failing to turn up for their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) fixture against Herentals FC on Monday, 21 April 2025.
Speaking at a press conference in Redcliff, club president Phil Makekera admitted the team is in financial distress:
“We apologise for what happened. We were supposed to be there and we failed. I understand the disappointment,” said Makekera.
“No one has come to offer us sponsorship and I’ve not turned anyone away. I’ve been footing most of the bills from my own pocket.”
Club chairman Francis Tayagadza explained that the players had gone on strike over unpaid wages and bonuses:
“They hadn’t received their salary for the month and also a winning bonus. We’ve since resolved the issue with the players. It won’t happen again,” he told journalists.
The Real Cost Of Top-Flight Football
Kwekwe United’s executive members detailed just how expensive it is to run a club in Zimbabwe’s PSL.
“We need between US$35,000 and US$40,000 every month,” said Tayagadza — the equivalent of R665,000 to R760,000 in South Africa.
The monthly costs include:
-
Players’ salaries
-
Matchday logistics
-
Training expenses
-
Accommodation and travel
Former Zimbabwe national team coach and club board member Benedict Moyo added:
“We’re working to make sure the players get their dues. We’ve encouraged them to prepare for matches while we sort things out.”
Facing The Music With League Authorities
The PSL has summoned Kwekwe United to a disciplinary hearing set for 5 May 2025. In a statement, the league said:
“Kwekwe United have been charged with breaching PSL rules by failing to honour their fixture against Herentals.”
“Their conduct brings the league into disrepute and endangers the welfare of the competition,” added the PSL.
Meanwhile, Kwekwe United is preparing for a tricky away fixture against Dynamos in Harare on Sunday — amid concerns over the club’s future if no sponsors come forward.
Tayagadza issued an open plea:
“We are open to any assistance. These amounts are not small, especially in the current economic climate. Anyone who can help, please come forward.”
A Cry For Help
Behind the scenes, insiders say some players have not received salaries for three months, and parts of their sign-on fees remain unpaid.
One anonymous player told NewZimbabwe.com:
“They promised us money before the Herentals match, but they didn’t give us anything. We’re not being taken seriously anymore.”
The PSL says it is awaiting full reports from match officials before deciding on potential penalties.
As Kwekwe United fights to survive in the country’s elite league, the club’s leadership is calling on both local and international sponsors to step in — or risk watching the dream fade.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post Here Is How Much It Costs To Run A Zimbabwe Soccer Team – Struggling Club Reveals Astronomical Costs appeared first on iHarare News.
