Dela Akorli, a striker for Bulawayo Chiefs, has said the past five months have been a nightmare because of the club’s indifference, which has left him unable to pay for food.
The 19-year-old Ghanaian center-contract forward’s with Amakhosi expires on December 31, 2022, but he is still in Bulawayo because he lacks the funds to purchase a ticket to return home. Akorli has not received payment for months, along with the other Chiefs players, as a result of the club’s severe financial situation, which is even endangering its own existence.
Akorli said to Soccer24, “Since I signed for the club, they have not handed me my signing on money and they are due me 5 months salary.”
“Since we won the league, I didn’t have any cash on me to even purchase lunch or a data bundle. It has been quite difficult for me because I have no amusement at home.
I was unable to see the most recent World Cup. My life has been incredibly difficult,” he continued.
According to Arkoli, he was having trouble paying his rent until a teammate in Bulawayo offered to take him in.
The Amakhosi striker claims that in order to retrieve his money and return to Ghana, he has hired the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ).
Arkoli stated, “I want to return home because the stress I have experienced this season with this team (Chiefs) is too much for me.
In order to preserve the respect for players, he encouraged the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to thoroughly investigate everyone wishing to acquire football teams in the nation.
I’m requesting ZIFA to ensure that football is managed by qualified football officials who appreciate players, he stated.
Because our job requires a sound mind to be able to perform on the playing field, club owners and executives should treat players well, continued Arkoli.
According to information provided to Soccer24, the Bulawayo Chiefs management is actively attempting to minimize the impact of the situation by arranging for Arkoli to depart the country without paying him the money he is owed.
Source: ‘I don’t even have money for food’ —Ghanaian player ‘neglected’ by Bulawayo Chiefs pours heart out | https://www.soccer24.co.zw/2022/12/28/i-dont-even-have-money-for-food-ghanaian-player-neglected-by-bulawayo-chiefs-pours-heart-out/
