Sankoyo players threaten to quit
Koketso Kgoboge | Thursday January 12, 2017 16:06
The financially-crippled outfit enjoyed a good start under new coach, Serbian Dragojlo Stanojlovic. Ngurungu went to the Christmas break in 10th position with 14 points after three wins, five draws and three loses.
However, the exasperated players said they have struggled with life in Maun without proper payments. According to some players who chose to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation, the club management deserted them ahead of the festive break and failed to fulfil their promises.
One player said prior to their home encounter against the crowd-pulling Township Rollers, the club management had promised to cut outstanding dues with money from the gate-takings but went against their word after the encounter.
“The management is not trustworthy,” he said. “They promised to pay us two months’ salaries with the gate takings from the Rollers game but did not live to that promise, instead what we got is a series of excuses.”
He said when they quizzed the management about the revenue from that encounter prior to being released for the festive break, they were sent from pillar to post and all they were given was P1,700 each.
Another player who also said he has lost faith in the management after the December incident said he has found a new home elsewhere and has decided to move on.
“The situation (at Sankoyo) doesn’t look like improving anytime soon and I have no choice but to move on. Over the Christmas holidays I met with some clubs that have showed interest in my services and it is better I start afresh,” he said.
Club secretary, Onalenna Dithakenyane maintained they had over time communicated with their players about the financial situation at the club. He said 14 players have reported back for training and they are also expecting the coach back in the country before their Saturday encounter with Gaborone United (GU).
“We had made sure our players understand our financial situation but if they can’t cope then we cannot block anyone from going and looking for greener pastures,” he said.
“We are doing our best to better the financial situation and other (players) understand. They have returned and we have started our preparations for the weekend game against GU.”