The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
LACK of concrete evidence could save Devon Chafa from severe punishment by his employers Ngezi Platinum Stars, who have instituted an investigation into allegations that the midfielder took part in “money games” in Harare recently.
A leaked document detailing the investigation circulated on social media last week, amid claims that Chafa had been sacked by the Mhondoro club.
Ngezi coach, Rodwell Dhlakama, was quoted in the local media fuming against Chafa before declaring that the former FC Platinum player might not play for his side again.
However, it emerged yesterday that Ngezi are yet to make a decision on Chafa as there is lack of compelling evidence that the former Dynamos and FC Platinum player indeed featured in the said money games.
Club chief executive officer, Nyasha Kadenge, confirmed that her side was yet to take a decision on the future of Chafa.
“Investigation is ongoing. We will brief you on our position when we have concluded the matter,” Kadenge told The Sunday Mail Sport yesterday.
Ngezi chairman, Silence Gavi, was not at liberty to discuss the issue.
“I don’t how you got information that we are investigating the player. I will not comment on that issue because it’s an internal matter,” said Gavi.
However, a source said Chafa was likely to be pardoned and given a stern warning “because the club does not have concrete evidence.”
“Lack of concrete evidence on the case has become an issue. Ngezi Platinum Stars executive members wanted to see footage or a video of some sort of the player in action, but it’s not available.
“Besides, there is a feeling that the issue could be personal. Why is the whole money game issue centred on one person when a football match is played by 22 players?” the source said.
Chafa, a winner of seven league titles with Dynamos, CAPS United and FC Platinum, declined to talk about the pending sanctions.
“It’s best you to speak to my manager Gibson Mahachi,” said Chafa, who crossed from FC Platinum to Ngezi at the beginning of the year.
Mahachi was, however, not reachable for comment.
A number of Premier Soccer League stars are engaging in money games in various locations in Harare as a way of keeping fit and raising a few dollars to supplement the meagre earnings from clubs that are reeling from the financial impact of coronavirus.
