Redcliff, Zimbabwe – Kwekwe United Football Club’s recent no-show in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) fixture has taken a dramatic turn, following serious allegations made by club president Phil Makekera during a press conference held in Redcliff on Thursday.
While the financial difficulties faced by the newly promoted side have been openly acknowledged, Makekera claimed that internal challenges are being compounded by what he described as a “third hand” deliberately working to undermine the team’s stability and progress.
“We believe there is a third hand that is influencing our players not to fulfill fixtures.
“They’ve been calling players before games, discouraging them from turning up. This is not new, it did not start on Monday, it happened before, even before the Kariba game,” Makekera said.
Although he did not name any individuals, Makekera stated that the club is aware of those allegedly behind the interference and warned that he may go public with their identities should the issue persist.
He implied that external parties, possibly with vested interests, are influencing players for reasons yet to be made public.
The allegations have stirred speculation within the football fraternity, with theories ranging from rival club interference to efforts by disgruntled former stakeholders or outside individuals seeking to take over or influence within the club.
Some social media users have dismissed the claims as deflection, but others believe the matter deserves closer scrutiny.
“How can you stop a young player who wants to be seen, who wants to market themselves?” Makekera asked, visibly emotional.
“It’s not fair to the youngsters, and I think the powers that be should take note of that,” he said.
He added that the interference was not only undermining team performance but also jeopardising the careers of emerging players who rely on match time for exposure and development.
The club has formally appealed to authorities within Zimbabwean football to investigate the matter.
Makekera insisted the situation is “not normal,” and that the club is “not naive” but fully aware of what is happening behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, the PSL has summoned Kwekwe United for a disciplinary hearing on 5 May, following their failure to fulfil the fixture against Herentals FC on Monday at Bata Stadium.
Despite the controversy, Kwekwe United says it is focused on recovering. Board member and former national team coach Benedit Moyo said morale is improving in camp.
“We’ve been doing everything to psych the guys up and get them to peak performance,” he said.
Kwekwe United’s next test will be away against Dynamos FC at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday, 27 April 2025, a fixture that will be closely watched both on and off the pitch.
