Harare Correspondent
HARARE – The future of Malvern Chiketa, a defender for Herentals U20, hangs in the balance following a serious injury sustained during a friendly match against newly-promoted Premier Soccer League side Scottland this past Tuesday. His father, Milford Chiketa, has expressed concerns over the club’s hesitation to cover the necessary medical expenses.
Chiketa suffered a severe break to his left leg during the match and is currently receiving treatment in a Harare medical facility. Doctors have recommended urgent surgery, which is estimated to cost $3,500, but so far, the club has only provided $1,000, according to his father.
“I thought Herentals would prioritize my son’s welfare since he was injured playing for them,” Milford Chiketa stated. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, sharing his frustration with the club’s minimal support. “The doctors have emphasized the urgency of surgery, but the club is non-committal. Apart from sending $1,000 after pressure from us, they haven’t visited him or taken further responsibility. Even reaching club officials has become difficult.”
Milford noted that while the team medic and some teammates have shown concern and visited his son, senior officials from Herentals have seemingly remained unresponsive.
The situation has sparked outrage on social media, with many criticizing ZANU PF legislator Innocent Benza, who owns Herentals U20 and plays for the senior team. Benza, also a Member of Parliament for Mutasa Central, has come under fire for the club’s lack of support for Chiketa during this critical time.
As the community rallies around the young defender, calls for the club to take greater responsibility and ensure Chiketa receives the medical care he urgently needs continue to grow.
Zim GBC News©2024