Nkana Football Club has informed the Lusaka High Court that it does not owe former player Obeddy Masumbuko unpaid benefits amounting to over K300,000.
In its defense, the club admitted that Masumbuko received 20 percent less of his agreed monthly salary, citing an agreement between the parties due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The club denied breaching any contractual obligations and maintained that all payments to the player were made as per the agreed terms.
It further stated that Masumbuko must provide strict proof at trial to substantiate his claims.
Nkana FC acknowledged that Masumbuko signed a new contract from November 20, 2020, to November 19, 2023.
However, the club rejected claims that it owed him bonuses from matches won under his previous contract, insisting he must provide proof at trial.
Regarding financial entitlements, Nkana FC admitted that the plaintiff was contractually entitled to a sign-on fee of K150,000 but disputed his claim to a transfer fee under his second contract.
The club also denied withholding a balance of K132,500 and stated that Masumbuko must provide evidence to prove otherwise.
On the matter of salary deductions, the club acknowledged deducting K37,946.16 from Masumbuko’s earnings but denied any wrongdoing, stating that these amounts were required contributions to the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA).
The club also denied allegations and rejected Masumbuko’s entitlement to any reliefs sought in the lawsuit.
Masumbuko filed his case before the Lusaka High Court on February 27, 2025, accusing Nkana FC of breaching multiple contractual agreements from 2018 to 2023.
According to court documents, Masumbuko joined Nkana FC in 2018 on a two-year contract after transferring from Lumwana Radiants.
His initial salary was K9,000 per month, but he claims the club unilaterally reduced it by 20 percent for nine months in 2020, creating a shortfall of K17,077.61.
Despite this, he renewed his contract in 2020 for three more years, with a salary increase to K10,000 per month.
Masumbuko alleged that Nkana FC failed to honor several financial commitments, including unpaid winning bonuses for four matches in the 2020-2021 season, totaling K10,500, a transfer fee of K15,000, a signing bonus of K150,000, of which K132,500 remains unpaid, unremitted NAPSA contributions amounting to K37,946.16, and gratuity payments from both contracts, totaling K134,000.
Masumbuko’s lawyers reportedly sent demand letters to Nkana FC in August, October, and November 2024, seeking settlement of the outstanding amounts. The player claimed the club acknowledged the debt but has yet to settle it.
