Investor sees light at the end of Gunners’ tunnel

Mqondisi Dube | Friday May 16, 2025 08:48

It has been a hit and miss season for the Lobatse side, which is now guaranteed another dance at the top after surviving relegation.

Kgomongwe took over the team midway through the campaign and said the aim was to survive relegation. Despite some mixed performances, Gunners are safe and Kgomongwe wants to transform the team next season.

He said the challenge has been that he does not have a work permit and therefore, he has been unable to open an account for the club.

“I do not have a permit that allows to to be in Botswana and open an account. I do not want to do money laundering, I am clean person and I want to follow the laws of Botswana,” he said.

Kgomongwe added his name is not registered at the mother body, the Botswana Football Association (BFA). He, however, does not blame the committee at Gunners and is appreciative of the support that he has received. He however, said there are internal conflicts which he found that keep disrupting the team. Kgomongwe indicated that his focus was on the team.

“The aim was to save the team from relegation,” he said. There have been consistent reports of Gunners players receiving their payments late, and Kgomongwe cites the permit and account challenges for the delays.

“We pay players in time, through financial services company, Global Payments which is where the delays are.

“They verify every payment. We pay on time but they want to make sure the money is for the intended purpose that is why every transaction is scrutinised,” he said.

The team had to arrive at the last minute for its encounter against BDF XI on Wednesday after crossing to Pretoria to meet Kgomongwe.

However, the investor said the delay was as a result of a breakdown the team experienced on the way.

On the team, Kgomongwe promised a clear-out to ensure Gunners competes next season.

“Out of 28 players, Gunners has about 11 (who can compete). Others are average, while others are overage. We do not have players. Supporters will have to bear with us for the sake of the team. We will make changes,” he said.

Kgomongwe also spoke about the need for the team to train on a turf, rather than the dusty grounds. He said Gunners will be in South Africa for a ‘proper’ pre-season against sides like Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.