HARARE - Ali Sadiki, the FC Platinum and Warriors midfielder, has offered $200 for his girlfriend’s maintenance, after arguing that he could not pay child support for a baby currently residing with his mother.
Sadiki was last Friday dragged before the Harare Civil Court by his girlfriend Sharon Chiwanza, who is demanding $1 117 in maintenance.
She is demanding $600 for her own upkeep, saying she is eight months pregnant by him and wants $517 for the upkeep of his five-year-old daughter and unborn child.
The footballer, through his lawyer Bosswell Chideme, told Harare Civil Court magistrate, Tafadzwa Muvhami that Chiwanza was not staying with the child so there was no need for him to pay maintenance until such time as she applied for custody.
He said he earned $400 as winning allowance per game not the $800 which was alleged by Chiwanza. He said the money is paid for matches won only.
“The respondent is opposing the entire relief which is sought. Applicant (Chiwanza) is claiming $517 for the minor child but she is not in her custody and has not claimed custody of the child as of now,” Chideme said.
“The winning bonus which comes from the match is $400 and it comes if the team wins. The respondent is also not a regular in the national team. What is in dispute is that the respondent earns $800.
“He stays in Zvishavane and has rentals, utility bills including food and clothing so we pray that the claim be dismissed and be ordered to pay $200 as maintenance for the applicant until she applies for custody of the child.”
Chideme told the court that the parties were customarily married for seven years now and were staying together until they separated three weeks ago.
He said the child is staying with Sadiki’s parents in Highfield where she is attending school.
Chiwanza’s lawyer Belinda Rupapa argued that there was no need for her to apply for custody since the two were not customarily married but cohabiting.
She said a child born out of such a relationship was considered illegitimate and custody is vested in the hands of the mother.
Rupapa insisted that Sadiki pay maintenance for his child since Chiwanza was going to take the child when schools close.
“For the period they were cohabiting, the respondent has never maintained his child and the applicant had to source funds from relatives, so the court should not give a blind eye to such circumstances,” Rupapa said.
“Furthermore, the respondent has no other responsibilities except looking after his child. The rentals in Zvishavane are paid by his employer and there are no deductions.”
Magistrate Muvhami postponed the matter to next Tuesday for judgment.