Blue Eagles players owed millions

Blue Eagles FC players claim that they are owed millions of kwacha by the club in unpaid dues.

Two senior players who asked for anonymity, said they have not been paid upkeep allowances and game bonuses for almost three seasons now.

Club chairperson Richard Luhanga confirmed the development last week, but was quick to say the issue is being looked into.

One of the players said they have been raising the issue through their team manager Gabriel Chirwa, but the club’s management’s response has always been that there is no money to settle their dues.

“It has been tough for us as we have not been paid our dues for over two seasons now and this affects our morale. As players, we have since resolved to work hard in cup competitions, especially the on-going Standard Bank Knockout Cup so that we can get a little something from the prize money,” he said.

He said the players are entitled to K15 000 ($26) each as upkeep allowance and another K15 000 as game bonus for a win.

Another player said the situation mostly affects 18 players who are not police officers.

“We are all suffering, but the situation is even tougher for civilian players because at least for some of us we are assured of a monthly salary,” he said.

But while admitting that the club owes the players outstanding dues, Luhanga played down the issue saying: “It is an internal matter issue which will be sorted internally.

“Almost 80 percent of the players are employed by the Malawi Police Service [MPS)]and playing football is part of their duty. Of course, we are supposed to give them allowances and we do owe them, but that issue will be sorted internally.”