Why I left Heartland FC – Captain

The Captain, Heartland FC of Owerri, Chinedu Efugh, said that he would be leaving the club for good.

Efugh told newsmen in Lagos that his decision to call it quits was prompted by non-payment of his salary arrears.

The Owerri-based club had been embroiled in internal crisis triggered by unsettled wages of players.

He said: “I do not think I am going to play for the club this coming season; they are owing us for about three seasons.

“Am I expected to continue like that? The problem is that they are not putting our welfare into consideration.

“And considering the economic situation of the country it is not fair … most of us are bread winners of our families.’’

On his teammates’ reaction to the issue, Efugh said his decision to leave the club was personal.

“Everybody will bear his own cross. With the way they have treated us, I do not think most players will be willing to stay,’’ the captain added.

Efugh, however, said he had yet to take a decision on his next move – what to do.

Meanwhile, the Media Officer of Heartland, Cajetan Nkwopara,told newsmen that he was not aware that Efugh was calling it quits with the club.

He added that the club was on the verge of getting the salary issues resolved before the commencement of the 2013/2014 league season.

“Management is taking this issue as its top priority. We will try and resolve this before the new season kicks off. This is an unfortunate incident and we intend to resolve it.

“We appeal to the players to please bear with us, we are waiting for higher authorities to wade into this before the season kicks off.’’

The 2012/2013 Globacom Premier League season which ended October 20 is scheduled to kick off on November 22.