Gunners allay fears

Kabelo Boranabi | Friday May 16, 2025 08:47

Gunners entered into a partnership with the South African businessman late last year with the deal formally announced in January. The arrival of Kgomongwe who has football investment in Eswatini, was relief for the Peleng giants that were deep in debt and battling with limited resources. Recently, however, reports were that the players were owed their salaries and this led to some including captain, Ofentse Nato, sidelined from some of the club activities for their boldness. The instability within the Gunners’ camp heightened following the resignation of interim head coach, Proper Monnawanoka. Furthermore the team was 14 minutes away from missing their midweek league tie against BDF XI. Gunners were in Pretoria over the weekend for a mini training camp while meeting with Kgomongwe at his base.

According to the team’s secretary-general, Badiri Orekeng there were scheduled to return on Tuesday, the day before their league clash but had a breakdown on the way back. “The plan was to arrive on Tuesday and camp for the game. However, we had a breakdown in Rustenburg on the way from Pretoria on Tuesday. This forced that the team lodges in Rustenburg. We had to fetch another bus which was in Pretoria hence our late arrival on Wednesday,” said Orekeng. The team arrived at the National Stadium 14 minutes before kick-off and were battered 4-0 by BDF XI. Badiri, responding to MmegiSport inquiry denied that players are owed but admitted delays. “Players have been paid. We must, however, admit that there were delays. This is primarily because payments are processed from South Africa. This, however, will be dealt with as Chief Ally Kgomongwe is setting up in Botswana so that all operations with regards to Extension Gunners are localised,” said Orekeng. The administrator further said the club remains happy with the partnership with Kgomongwe as Orekeng said the businessman has lived up to his promises. “Chief Ally Kgomongwe has managed to deliver as agreed. We managed to secure the service of players in the January transfer window. The players added to our depth and competitiveness. He has single-handedly financed activities of the team.

He has made resources available to facilitate training, game logistics including transport and lodging.” “Yes without a doubt, Chief Ally Kgomongwe has breathed life into Extension Gunners FC. Our target for 2024–2025 season was to survive relegation which we trust we will manage. In the 2025–2026 season we will see a lot of changes at Extension Gunners FC that will propel the team to be competitive in the domestic league. The team has forged collaborations with reputable football clubs for exchange programmes than will enhance performance in the new season so we are indeed moving on with Chief Ally Kgomongwe,” Orekeng said. MmegiSport is informed that the first Gunners’ training camp in Pretoria was a disastrous excursion with the traveling delegation bemoaning lodging and meals. But Orekeng has shot down the reports. “The first training camp propelled the team from relegation zone as the team won three games in a row. Players were lodged at Sun 1 hotel in Pretoria. This facility offers good class lodging services,” Orekeng said.