- There’s little to celebrate for Mathare United players although they have a shirt sponsor in Mozzartbet, they are facing a financial crunch amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Several players from the club admitted the situation is tough following three months without pay. They have now turned to manual work to put food on the table.
One of the club’s midfielders disclosed that the management has reached out to the government for help but the efforts have been in vain. He also revealed that his teammate who has played a major role in the country in the national team could not make ends meet.
“Life has been difficult for us. We have not been paid for three months. The management keeps on telling us to be patient as they had requested for money from the government to assist us but nothing is forthcoming,” said the midfielder.
“I have turned to odd jobs just to put food on the table. My friend, who has also donned the national team colors albeit in the junior team, has been ejected from his house,” he explained.
“We have never received allowances this year despite our good performance in January and February. Even with these financial challenges, I try to keep fit at home and I hope that the dust will settle soon,” he added.
A different player stated that he has been forced to depended on his parents after owing to unpaid debts. Heir grateful he has a shoulder to lean on during these uncertain times.
“Returning to my parents’ house was a tough decision to make although I did not have a choice. Going for three months without pay at this time is not a joke and to make the matters worse, I am a part-time student and I don’t have an alternative source of income,” he cried out.
Jecton Obure, the club’s CEO, termed the claims as untruthful. He affirmed that the playing unit had received their full salaries until February and had further paid half of March and April salaries. He stated that the club owes the players’ salaries and allowances from May.
