No solution in sight for broke Chiefs
Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday April 5, 2017 15:59
“We are broke, we don’t have money. Like in the past, we can only cry out to Good Samaritans. The response is promising, but there is nothing yet,” Chiefs spokesperson, Clifford Mogomotsi told Mmegi Sport yesterday.
Chiefs players have refused to train for two weeks demanding their outstanding salaries, with some owed even part of their January dues.
“We have no sound financial backing. We continue to talk to Good Samaritans. Our wage bill is one of the highest (in the league). A club like Chiefs cannot run without a sponsor. It is a fact that we cannot run away from,” Mogomotsi said.
The cash crisis has thrown spanners in the team’s works, which had begun moving north after a disastrous start to the campaign had left the Kgatleng giants languishing in 12th.
But after beefing up their squad in January with excellent additions such as Jerome Ramatlhakwana, Mathews Nyamadzawo and Absalom Limbondi, Chiefs rose to a season high fourth.
However, the cash crunch struck at a time when the team was riding the crest of the wave. The players boycotted training in the build-up to their game against Police XI in late February which they lost 3-1.
From there it was downhill, as the players have vowed not to return to the pitch until the bonuses are paid. Now Chiefs find themselves in eighth and still facing the unresolved salary issues.
It has left coach Bongani Mafu biting his nails on the sidelines.
“My wish is to have stability so that as a coach, I can be judged fairly.
We coaches, plan our sessions, fitness work, tactical approaches and psyche up our teams on the training pitch. Bereft of the above, we are lame ducks just waiting to be slaughtered. Training is everything,” he said yesterday.
Chiefs should be preparing for a big encounter against Gaborone United on Saturday, but the players are idling waiting for their payout.