Title chasing Northern Region Soccer League side MWOS FC have confirmed that some of their players and coaching staff have been approached withoffers of US$50 000 to throw away matches and allow rivals Scottland FC to gain promotion into the top flight league.
However, the log leaders remain upbeat about their clinching the league title in a thrilling two horse race against the Scott Sakupwanya owned Scottland FC.
The two teams are separated by just three points, but Scottland have a game in hand, a match against Karoi United which was abandoned allegedly due to crowd trouble a couple of months ago
Speaking to Standardsport MWOS FC chairman Cleyton Arimoso was clear that his club was well-focused in winning all the remaining matches so as to gain promotion in the PSL while admitting that the team was undersiege from alleged match fixers.
"We have two of our players who were approached by at least two people (names with held) that wanted to bribe them with US$8 000, to throw away matches. They promised to pay them US$4 000 before the match and the other half (US$4 000) after the game," Arimoso revealed.
"This did not end there as some guys approached the technical team, the coach and promised to pay him US$50 000 and his assistant US$40 000 so as to lose matches.
"They all refused and reported the matter to the club management. I will not tell you who send these people, but if you know you know. We have the names of these people who were sent to entice our coaches and players."
He added: "We have not reported the matter to the Northern Region Soccer League administration because we are being strategic, we will do so at the correct time."
With four matches remaining before the curtain comes down, on Friday the Lloyd Mutasa-coached pacesetters beat Golden Stars 2-1 to maintain the top position.
Mutasa also revealed that him and his players were approached by the alleged match fixers and has vowed to be strong.
"I must state that as the technical team they approached us and promised to pay us huge amounts of money, but we refused," he said.
"We need fair play, we don't want all this, the better team must win always," Mutasa said.
However a source has revealed that a soccer legend (name with held) approached the players and tried to encourage them to throw away matches.
"A well-known soccer legend approached some of his former junior players, whom he had coached before and encouraged them to throw away games. He told the players that he has some links in Namibia where he can organise them a club where they will play. The players quickly alerted their technical department," the source said.
Match fixing allegations come at a time when Norton Community FC last week suspended five team members after a 7 - 0 defeat to Scottland.
"We notify the public about the suspension of 5 members with immediate effect as of 16 October 2024, they no longer partake on any club activities further notice.
"The suspensions resulted from an investigation following a review of matchday 33 Scottland FC vs Norton Community at Rufaro Stadium, over allegations of match fixing which violates our club policies/rules," the club said in a statement.