While all sport worldwide has ground to a halt due to the novel coronavirus, a Ugandan team – Kitara Football Club – coach Mark Twinamatsiko has vowed to give over 50 per cent of his salary to his players.
For footballers, there is a fear of losing their wages with some clubs on the continent already asking their players to take a pay cut.
But in Uganda, a kind gesture by one coach in the second-tier has been welcomed.
Twinamatsiko has pledged to give half of his salary to his players to shield themselves from the financial difficulties expected as sports remain suspended.
“I have decided to offer 50 per cent to the players at Kitara Football Club. No one has forced me but from my own heart. I wish the players to be well in this telling moment,” Twinamatsiko, said in an interview with leading Ugandan website Kawowo Sports.
Lack of training and matches means players will have to do with daily training allowances as well as match bonuses, and this will definitely see a reduction in monthly wages.
Meanwhile, the owner of Kenyan Premier League side Wazito FC, Ricardo Badoer has said his players and staff will continue receiving their full salaries despite the difficulties currently experienced due to the lack of competition.
The Swede says he has the experience of being jobless and without money and will not let his players go through the same.
Elsewhere, the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has announced financial support to the country’s leagues to remain afloat during this difficult time.
SLFA says it will distribute almost 67,500 US dollars (R1.2m) to the Premier League, Division One and Two to help the clubs meet their financial obligations to players.
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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