Civo executive baffled by team’s performance

Civo United officials say they are baffled by the team’s performance in the 2013 season which has seen them lose four of their six games.

Things got worse on Wednesday when the Civil Servants were beaten 3-0 by Kamuzu Barracks to bow out of the Presidential Cup.

“There seems to be no commitment to win from the players. What is puzzling is that we have improved players’ welfare tremendously. They have good contracts and we have increased their monthly upkeep allowances and game bonuses. We have done everything to motivate them and we do not owe them any money,” said the club’s general secretary Rashid Ntelera.

Civo players get K12 000 (about $30) as monthly upkeep allowance. They also receive a housing allowance besides K10 000 (about $25) game bonus for a win or K5 000 (about $12.50) for a draw.

“This means if they win four games per month, each player pockets K40 000 (about $100). This is more than what most local clubs pay their players. We have convened a meeting to analyse the situation we are in and find out what the problem is. It is more painful to lose at home. Let us hope this is just a bad patch,” said Ntelera.

He also said it is hard to believe that a team which was a big force in the league just two years ago has become a punching bag.

Civo coach Thom Mkolongo was equally surprised with his team’s display.

“I don’t know what to do. During training, the players put in everything but when it comes to the actual match, they do not rise to the occasion. It is like there is no will to win. This has been the situation in all the games we have played,” he said.

Mkolongo said his priority now is to fight for the Super League title and the Standard Bank Cup.