Gunners, Sithole spat resolved
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday July 8, 2025 14:23
The club had been handed the ban on June 19, preventing them from registering players for three consecutive transfer windows and until January 2027 due to a punishment stemming from unpaid dues to their former head coach, Sithole, who had a brief stint with the team earlier this season.
The matter was tabled during the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at New Look Primary School on Saturday, where members were updated on the behind-the-scenes efforts that led to the lifting of the sanction. According to sources within the club, Sithole's case had caused considerable confusion, especially since the former coach reportedly never signed a formal contract with the team.
“He did not have a contract with Gunners and only asked to be given a recommendation letter to open a bank account, and it is that letter he presented to FIFA. But I can confirm, no contract was ever signed,” said an insider. Despite the technicalities, Gunners opted for pragmatism over a prolonged legal battle. Speaking on behalf of the club's financier, Chief Ally Kgomongwe, France Mpedi confirmed that the ban was effectively over, and Gunners are free to conduct transfer business in the current window.
“We engaged the coach and asked, ‘What’s the real issue here?’ He admitted that some promises were not fulfilled. We told him we had the right to appeal the FIFA decision, but we chose to resolve the matter because it was going to take a lot of time and a lot of money,” Mpedi said. “So yes, the issue has been settled. The ban is lifted. Gunners can register players,' he said.
Mpedi also revealed that the club's ownership structure has been altered to give Kgomongwe full control. Initially operating on an 80-20 split in favour of the Pretoria-based businessman, the investor has now assumed 100% ownership of the club. In his new role, Kgomongwe is expected to appoint a management team of his choice to run the day-to-day affairs of the club. However, they are expected to work in consultation with the club's executive committee. The investor has not been shy in expressing his frustrations about the current state of affairs within the Gunners camp.
“We need to clean the house. We are leaking internal matters to the media, player payments, missed training, travel delays and all of it comes from within. We must deal with that decisively,' said Mpedi. Meanwhile, the AGM also brought changes to the club’s executive structure. Former Botswana Premier League Chief Executive Officer, Solomon Ramochotlhwane, has been co-opted into the chairmanship, while Oarabile Kgosiesele takes over as Public Relations Officer. They replace Thatayaone Mohutsiwa and Isaac Mmualefe, respectively.
As the club gears up for a crucial rebuilding phase, the lifting of the transfer ban is seen as a significant boost within the Gunners' ranks. However, as the era under Kgomongwe is to take flight, sweeping changes are expected, both on and off the pitch.