The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
Sports Reporter
EMBATTLED Caps United owner Twine Phiri successfully negotiated for more breathing space as he battles to table an acceptable payment plan before the disgruntled pair of Lewis Uriri and Nhamo Tutisani.
The Caps United owner had been given a three-week ultimatum to settle a US$143 000 debt the club owes the former directors, who are pushing for provisional liquidation.
The ultimatum lapsed on Thursday but Phiri sent an emissary to the duo’s lawyers to negotiate a stay of execution — at least until Monday.
A source disclosed that Phiri’s emissary also produced a letter from the Premier Soccer League, assuring Uriri and Tutisani that the league would also deposit money it owes Caps United directly into the duo’s accounts.
Phiri has now been given until tomorrow to come up with a payment plan, failure of which Uriri and Tutisani’s lawyers will proceed with the High Court application.
The former Makepekepe directors are being represented in this case by Wilmot & Bennet legal firm.
“Our client has agreed to give reprieve until Monday (tomorrow) when Mr Phiri will be expected to come up with a written proposal, resolution or a tangible plan of action.
“He (Phiri) sent an emissary seeking reprieve and his overture was acceded to but if he fails to come up with a proposal that is satisfactory to our clients, we will proceed with the High Court application Tuesday,” said Blessing Diza of Wilmot & Bennet legal firm.
Uriri and Tutisani argue that Caps United is insolvent and that provisional liquidation is the best option under the circumstances.
The development came as Makepekepe’s trip to Mutare for a date with Buffaloes this afternoon experienced the now usual stand-off between the club’s executive and players.
Makepekepe players threatened not to fulfil the tie until winning bonuses they are owed are paid.
The players also threatened not to take to the pitch on Thursday but were persuaded to do so, and went on to put up a lacklustre performance in a goalless draw with Hwange.
After the match each player was reportedly given US$30 as part-payment of their April salaries.
“We are in a tight situation my brother, some of the players are owed March salaries and to be given just US$30 is an insult,” said a player who requested anonymity.
Yesterday, the players did not pitch up for a scheduled morning workout at Reserve Bank Sports Club in Harare.
Coach Mark Harrison said, “I am here at the sports club together with technical team but the players are not here. I have absolutely no idea what is going on.”
Today’s fixtures
Dynamos v FC Platinum (Rufaro), Highlanders v Harare City (BF), Hwange v Flame Lily (Colliery), Triangle v Whawha (Gibbo), Buffaloes v Caps United (Sakubva)
