Ngezi Platinum coach Erol Akbay has expressed his disappointment on the club’s executive’s decision to sack captain Liberty Chakaroma and striker Simba Nhivi.

The duo was implicated as leaders in the strike which happened last week. The players refused to train and also threatened to not fulfil their Match-day 6 encounter against TelOne if their demands for a pay rise and allowances were not met.

According to Herald, the Dutch coach says the axing of the two players has affected his squad.

“Definitely (the sacking of the players affects my strategy) because one of the players is a striker, one of the best strikers that we had,” Akbay said.

“Of course, that means we lost a very big quality of our team and we hope those we have will do even better than what he has been doing. If you get another player now it will take time before he understands what you want. It’s very bad we are missing some of these players.

“Chakoroma was one of the leaders and also a very easy guy to work with. He was very good and very influential in our team and as a leader, we are losing a very big guy.”

Ngezi have been battling for consistency after making a slow start this season. They are in action this afternoon against ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga Stadium.