Miscellaneous transfer window blues return
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday August 2, 2019 12:31
It has been two weeks since the club started its pre-season programme, but none of the first team players has returned.
Coach Oitsile ‘Chippa’ Koolese said 75% of the team is missing. He said they are not expecting any of the players to return as most were out of contract.
Prized possession, captain Mponang Mponang is linked with a move to Morupule Wanderers. He is expected to reunite with his former coach, Boyo Radipotsane.
“We have identified a number of youngsters from amateur clubs and constituency league. We have agreed personal terms with others, and they are undergoing medicals,” Koolese said.
He said the transfer window troubles were bothersome, but there was very little the club could do due to a constrained budget.
He said despite the challenge, pre-season training has gone on well. “It’s a situation that I have accepted and it cannot disturb our preparations. I am home and I just volunteer to assist the club. I am hoping to get a few experienced players on loan from other teams to help these youngsters and hopefully, we would be able to compete.”
Club spokesperson, Edwin Ntau said they settled their dues with the departing players.
“We have no hard feelings. We can’t afford the players, and there is nothing we can do than wish them well. We accept we have become a universal donor. We are only happy every season we produce players that not only appeal to big teams but go on to break into the national team,” he said.
Ntau added they face a stumbling block in their bid to fulfill club licencing requirements. He said their financial statements are not in order as they run the club from literally, a zero budget.
“We are also tying loose ends regarding the club’s development programme. Otherwise, if we cannot meet the requirements, we might find our club relegated before the league starts,” he said.
He blamed the club troubles on the supporters. Ntau said the club recently held its annual general meeting with seven people in attendance after two other gatherings failed due to a low turnout.
“We call meetings and people don’t come. It appears they don’t care who runs their team and how it is run. They only attend the games and demand results,” he said.
He said the management is under pressure to ensure the team retains its Premiership status.