Zapata's Rollers move still in limbo
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday November 16, 2018 12:47
The two sides are accusing each other over the delay in acquiring Rodolfo Zapata’s new work permit. The Argentinean was recently announced as Rollers’ new head coach. Zapata was previously heading GU’s technical team before he left in the middle of last season to join Kenyan side, AFC Leopards.
His short spell at Leopards saw him retrace his steps back to the Botswana Premier League; this time with GU’s city rivals, Rollers. However, since his arrival in the country almost a month ago, he has sparked a mini-war of words between the two rivals. Rollers are accusing GU of not being cooperative in allowing Zapata to finally join his new team while The Reds deny trying to stall the Argentinean’s move.
In fact, GU say they have now hired a new head coach in Philemon Makhwengwe and therefore have no intention of blocking Zapata’s move. GU chairperson, Boitumelo Nsunge recently told Mmegi Sport that reports of his executive committee trying to block Zapata’s move to Rollers were not true.
He said the confusion was probably caused by the fact that they asked Rollers to follow the right procedure, which is to communicate their request in writing rather than through a telephone call.
Zapata is reportedly still having a running work permit with GU, which needs to be cancelled before another one can be applied for him to start his work with his new employers. What to many people seems like a simple thing to do has now turned into a nasty catfight between the two rivals.
They have not reached a common ground regarding the issue. While GU are seeking ‘proper procedure’ from their rivals, Rollers on the other hand believe GU are not being cooperative and are turning the matter into a petty issue.
This week, reports emerged that GU were seeking an apology from their rivals regarding their approach. Rollers this week, however, feel the issue had now regrettably veered into pettiness.
“It appears like they now want to entertain themselves with this issue. To be honest we do not want to dwell much on the remarks or reports we see through the social media or hear on radio,” Rollers spokesperson, Bafana Pheto said yesterday. “Our feeling is that they do not want to cooperate with us on this matter. We will try to find another way in dealing with the matter.”
Rollers have now played seven games without a permanent head coach since they parted ways with Nikola Kavazovic. Thabo Motang has been doubling as the goalkeeper coach and the interim head coach with Leutlwetse Tshireletso acting as his assistant.
The two sides despite their rivalry on the field had in the past had a smooth relationship regarding transfer of players between themselves.
In recent years, GU managed to get the likes of Edwin Olerile while Rollers snatched Jackson Lesole, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Teenage Orebonye at the end of last season.
Meanwhile, Pheto has revealed that the first leg of the preliminary CAF Champions League home game against Lesotho side will be played at Lobatse Sports Complex following the temporary closure of the National Stadium for renovation. Rollers were drawn against Bantu FC at a draw held last week. The match will be played under floodlights on November 27, 2018. “We are still in negotiation with the transport operators in relation to our second leg, which will be played in Lesotho.”