Simanyana�s GU return hits snag

Thato Kala | Friday March 21, 2014 11:35

 

 

Early this week, GU said the former Polokwane City midfielder would be available for selection for the game against BMC tomorrow.  However, Botswana Football Association (BFA) said yesterday there are outstanding formalities while FIFA need to be convinced why the player is switching clubs outside the transfer period.

Simanyana rejoined GU on a two-year deal after being offloaded by the South African side.

The ABSA Premiership outfit delayed to release his clearance and that is why he is trying to join GU outside the January transfer window.

GU secretary, Hebert Letsebe has given the impression that there is a possibility the player will be in action this weekend while BFA maintains his transfer formalities are not complete.

“We are still sorting out his registration. The issue started during the transfer window, it was not our fault and BFA and the Premier League are aware of the situation,” Letsebe told Mmegi Sport.

He said they expected FIFA’s approval anytime because they are dealing with the South Africa Football Association (SAFA).

He said the coaches will decide whether to use the player against BMC or not. However, BFA’s Steven Maleka  said the transfer is not complete. “In this case, they will need to convince FIFA why they want him to be registered outside the window. We have a few other similar cases that FIFA would not validate.

But, of course, in the event that they do not validate, they give the club an opportunity to explain further,” he explained.

Maleka stated that the BFA need more documents from GU to complete the transfer. 

Botswana Premier League (BPL) chief executive officer, Bennet Mamelodi said they would only complete the registration if BFA agrees. “With regard to international clearances, it is between SAFA and BFA.

They determine whether we go ahead and register a player or not.  So BFA directs us as to who to register and we cannot go against their word because they regulate the transfers,” he said.

Former Bay United duo of Pontsho Moloi and Noah Maposa once found themselves in a similar situation and had to wait until the next transfer window.

Simanyana hopes to revive his career after struggling to break into the Polokwane City starting line up during his six months spell at the recently promoted PSL club.

The former Under-20 national team captain returned soon after Kekaetswe Moloi came back from South Africa to rejoin Mochudi Centre Chiefs.