Sports Reporter
THE Footballers’ Union of Zimbabwe (Fuz) has warned players against drinking alcohol excessively and taking part in money games during this festive season, saying this is a period when most careers are ruined. Fuz vice-president Herbert Dick said wild partying and playing in money games were hazardous to footballers’ careers.
The former national team defender said clubs will be on the lookout for players that return with pre-season injuries picked at money games.
“As a union, we are concerned about the welfare of players hence the call for them to be responsible during the holidays. We know that this is a time to be merry, but we are saying they must remember they’re professionals and what they take in can affect them. They can have their beers, but they must know when to stop. How they behave socially has a bearing on what their clubs will think of them,” said Dick.
He said footballers should know that their clubs and coaches will get regular updates on how they behave in bars through social media. “The mainstream media might not be there when they play money games, but believe you me, news travels fast through social media,” he said.
Off-season competitions such as the Horsepower Tournament, a brainchild of Madodana “Horsepower” Tshabangu, and inter-suburbs challenge matches are popular during the festive season.
“Clubs will be on the lookout. I know some players that picked injuries participating in off-season tournaments when they were at the peak of their careers and missed out on opportunities to play outside the country. Nowadays clubs do medical check-ups before the start of the pre-season and if you get injured during the holidays, the club can terminate your contract,” said Dick.
