The club has on occasions defaulted on paying Mafu and other members of both the playing and technical staff as they swim in debts. Mafu went on ‘strike’ after the team failed to meet his demands. He missed much of the pre-season, but after the two parties met a fortnight ago, the coach was expected to report back for duty on Monday, September 18. The former Highlanders coach however stayed in his homeland, Zimbabwe and notified Chiefs in writing that he would not report for work until his dues are fully paid. The coach has reportedly taken the matter to Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
According to FIFA Club Licensing Regulations, clubs should prove that they do not have outstanding dues before a club licence is issued. “The licence applicant must prove its respect to contractual and legal obligations with its current and former employees...it has no payables overdue towards employees and social/tax authorities as at December, 31 of the year preceding the season to be licensed, unless by the following March 31 they have been fully settled, deferred by mutual agreement with the creditor or are subject to a not obvious unfounded dispute submitted to competent authority,” reads FIFA Club Licensing Regulations, article 10.4 NO.F.03.
