Harare, Zimbabwe – (African Boulevard News) – Mayor Jacob Mafume has caused a stir in the City of Harare after announcing that Harare City Football Club will no longer receive funding in a bid to tighten the city’s purse strings. The Harare City Council Chairman stated that the club’s funding would be halted immediately pending an internal audit. This announcement comes at a time when the club is facing financial difficulties, following a string of losses.
In a statement, Mafume said, “We have decided to discontinue funding the football club. This is a necessary measure to help the council reduce its expenses, and channel the funds towards priority projects that benefit the community.”
Harare City Football Club is currently playing in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League and relies heavily on funding from the council. The club’s financial crisis has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the sporting world globally. The team is struggling to pay player salaries and has also been unable to maintain facilities during the pandemic.
The move by Mayor Mafume has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some believe that the city’s resources could be better allocated to other pressing needs, while others argue that the football club plays an important role in community development and should continue to receive funding.
“Mayor Mafume has made the right decision in stopping the funding of the football club,” said John Maramba, a resident of Harare. “The council has more urgent concerns, such as providing water and sanitation, which should be the top priority.”
However, some football enthusiasts in the city have expressed their disappointment with the decision, saying that it will affect the livelihoods of players and staff employed by the club.
Mayor Mafume’s decision to cut off the funding of the club has also led to the dismissal of the football club’s executive. The executive has been accused of financial mismanagement and poor performance, which has contributed to the club’s current financial crisis.
The Mayor’s decision has sparked a conversation about the funding of sports teams by local councils across the country. Many have expressed the need for transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, especially in the current economic climate.
In conclusion, the decision by Mayor Mafume to halt funding to Harare City Football Club has sparked conversation and debate among residents and football enthusiasts alike, with many expressing their concerns about the future of the club. While the decision may be seen as necessary to cut costs and prioritize community projects, it remains to be seen how it will affect the livelihoods of the club’s players and staff.
