Players of Heartland Football Club of Owerri have taken to the streets of Owerri, the Imo State capital to protest the poor handling of the team by the state government.

The protest grounded commercial activities in the state capital as the players marched from Dan Ayiam stadium to the Government House Owerri to register their grievances.

According to the players they are being owed about nine months’ salary and match bonuses.

Speaking on behalf of the club, Mr Uche Oguchi, former captain of the team, said the players also took their protest to the entrance of the Governor’s Office in Owerri to appeal to the government to resolve the issue as it has affected their performance in the League.

He said the development has been responsible for the team’s poor performance this season.

One of the players, who pleaded anonymity, said,” We are determined not to resume training until our money is paid. We can’t be labouring for nothing. The management has been promising us for a while now but nothing has been done till now.

“We are appealing to them to pay our salaries so that we can live as human beings. The protest will go on if nothing is done about it.

“They said we are not playing well, how can we play well when we have families to cater for and we aren’t well motivated. ”

Heartland’s Sensational Center Back, Victor Awoji Said;

Over 9 months no salary, Heartland FC players are pleading with the football management to use their power and position to solicit on their behalf.

The commissioner for sport assured the players by 26th of January, 2022 all debts will be settled.

We the players of Heartland FC are pleading with the Governor of Imo State. He Should look into it and pay us.

Footballers are not pensioner.

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