With organised football suspended in Zimbabwe due to the coronavirus pandemic, the country’s long-suffering footballers have once again turned to “money games” to make ends meet. On average, a club player earns $50 per month officially but $16 on the black market. The salary is less in the lower divisions. With no international matches, these footballers have thus resorted to unsanctioned matches – deemed illegal by their own clubs – which are also prohibited under the government’s lockdown rules. Normally, crowds would play a huge role in these cross-township football rivalries in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare. Up to 5,000 spectators jostling for a glimpse of the end-to-end action from the pitchside could be seen at a high-profile game. However, since the coronavirus outbreak, big crowds would attract unwanted attention from the army and police officers. As a result, these matches now start as early as 8am local time (06:00 GMT) to avoid high spectator numbers. “Money games” have been played in Zimbabwe for years where, during the off-season, some of the country’s best top-flight league players appear in a desperate attempt to supplement their meagre income. The prize-money, in most cases, comes from local football enthusiasts who have the cash to spare.
SOURCE: AL JAZEERA
More Stories
Mauritius’ Party Scene is Opened
Wining in Cape Town
Lagos Packs a Punch when it Comes to Culture
A Culinary Experience in Ghana
A Taste of West Africa and Beyond
This Photographer is Capturing the Femininity of Congo’s La Sape Movement
Sierra Leone Chef Wins the Nobel of Gastronomy Prize
Power of African Fashion Celebrated in Landmark Exhibition at the V&A
Harare’s New Scheme to Curb an Economic Collapse
Africa’s Airspace Faces Steep Competition
Not Enough Females Operating in the African Venture Capital Space
The Digital Economy as an Important Driver of Long-term Growth in Africa