Things Fall Apart At ECCO

Shingirai Madondo | Monday July 7, 2014 06:59

 

So we have opened the doors for those who want to go to go,” a crestfallen ECCO vice chairperson, Mothibedi Lathang told Sports Monitor.

ECCO - once the envy of many elite league clubs for its coordination and professional conduct on and off the pitch - is facing bleak prospects because of its precarious financial situation. The club faces a tough battle to survive in the Premier League next season. 

Lathang said the team does not have money and cannot afford to pay relatively high salaries. He said the players were given the green light to look for better paying clubs because “we are avoiding a situation whereby we will be at loggerheads with players over salaries”. It is understood that ECCO players have not been paid for the three months. Most players who want out are the ones who solely rely on football as their source of income. Lathang confirmed that Emmanuel Nlu, Zecco Makafiri, Tendai Nyumasi, Mandlaenkosi Sibanda Trinity Nko, Mogomotsi Samson and Ishmael Amponsah have decided to leave the club for greener pastures. Nlu and Makafiri have joined Orapa United while Nyumasi have gone to South Africa. Mandlaenkosi Sibanda has left for How Mine in his native Zimbabwe with Nko and Samson joining NICO United. Amponsah has crossed over to Police XI. Lathang could neither deny nor confirm that more experienced players are also on their way out. 

“We have advised players to tender their resignation letters,” he said. Acrobatic goalkeeper, Chamunorwa Madamombe is said to be among ECCO players searching for a club.

Lathang said the club will rely on upcoming footballers from its junior ranks next season.