We have nothing to do with Zapata issue - GU
Mqondisi Dube | Friday December 14, 2018 12:41
Zapata is seemingly headed for the exit door without even ‘barking the first official instruction’. The Argentinian replaced history-making Serbian coach, Nikola Kavazovic last month, but before he could sit on the bench, Zapata has been linked with an immediate departure.
Initially, there were reports that his former club, GU had refused to issue Zapata a release letter to Rollers. GU chairperson, Boitumelo Nsunge recently denied they had a hand in Zapata’s Rollers predicament. Despite his appointment last month, Zapata has not sat on the bench due to work permit issues. His work and residence permits were not surrendered to the Labour and Immigration department when Zapata left to join Kenya’s AFC Leopards last season.
GU investor, Nicholas Zakhem said they have nothing do to with Zapata’s issue at Rollers. It is reported that there is a rift between Zapata and interim coach, Thabo Motang, who has guided the side since Kavazovic’s departure.
“Whatever is happening has nothing to do with GU. We told Rollers that we have our coach and they can have Zapata,” Zakhem said.
GU owed Zapata a reported P300,000 when he left for Kenya, and Zakhem said the new administration had requested that he furnishes the club with a breakdown of the debt. “What we wanted to know is how the P300,000 was arrived at, as at some stage, I paid the coach, even when I was not actively involved at GU,” Zakhem said.
Last week, Rollers president, Jagdish Shah did not give a specific time frame as to when they expect Zapata’s permits.
He said the coach was not expected on the bench until the New Year. However, reports have emerged that Zapata will be shown the door, with former Orlando Pirates coach, Kostadin Papic linked.