By Flata Kavinga
The Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) has intensified efforts to educate footballers on their contractual rights, safeguarding and the dangers of match-fixing as part of initiatives to protect players on and off the pitch.
FUZ administrator Vaidah Makotsa said the union’s education programmes were aimed at equipping players with knowledge to help them understand their rights and protect themselves against exploitation and other challenges associated with their profession.
Speaking on the sidelines of an educational programme at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe, Makotsa said players were being sensitised on contractual obligations, safeguarding issues and match-fixing, among other matters affecting their welfare.
“The programme was about equipping players with information to do with their rights, contractual rights, issues to do with safeguarding, match-fixing and anything that pertains to a player on or off the pitch,” she said.
Makotsa said it was the union’s responsibility to ensure that footballers were adequately informed and protected in the course of their careers.
She said FUZ had about 2 950 registered members drawn from the Premier Soccer League, Division One and women’s football.
Makotsa said the union conducted outreach programmes across the country, with regular engagements intended to keep players informed about issues affecting their careers and welfare.
She said the Kwekwe programme was the second visit to the city, adding that FUZ sought to engage players at least two or three times a year.
