Zakhem in Chiefs takeover talks
Mqondisi Dube | Friday May 18, 2018 15:15
Zakhem told Mmegi Sport yesterday that he had a proposal from Chiefs but was yet to go over it.
However, sources close to developments say Zakhem is keen on joining Chiefs, with a deal imminent.
While Zakhem said he had not met any Chiefs officials over the matter, sources said some influential club members have held meetings with the business mogul, and an announcement is close.
The latest developments might spell doom for Gaborone United (GU), who were keeping their fingers crossed that Zakhem would return and rescue the club from financial doldrums.
Zakhem would not say if his options are open between joining Chiefs or GU.
“I would not say at this moment, as I have not gone through Chiefs’ proposal. As for GU, firstly before any negotiations start, they need to fulfil my request. I might end up not considering joining any of the two,” Zakhem said.
Chiefs general manager, Clifford Mogomotsi refused to divulge any information regarding a possible takeover.
“At this point and time, there is no official statement regarding who we are talking to. We are aware that there is curiosity from the public about who we are talking to, but we cannot divulge any information at this stage. People have linked us with a takeover, with various people mentioned. Our focus, at the moment, is on concluding the season, and thereafter, we will move forward,” Mogomotsi said.
The club has been without a reliable financier since the departure of Saeyed Jamali two seasons ago, which has seen the team struggle on the pitch.
Chiefs missed out on a top eight finish in more than a decade, and is a pale shadow of the side that has dominated the domestic scene.
GU might still remain in the picture, with the club’s general manager, Olebile Sikwane saying doors are open to any investor. “We have been mandated by the membership at Nanogang Junior Secondary Community Hall to explore sustainable partnerships with any corporate entity or businesspersons. Nicholas Zakhem is automatically in the running, for he is a big GU supporter and has been with the team before as sponsor and director. I must concede the majority of GU people we meet in the street say we must give Zakhem the club but those who attend the AGM are emphatic that we must look beyond Zakhem.
“I think the political power battles and lack of trust between the two parties have found refuge in our midst. The current chairperson (Boitumelo Nsunge) has been busy on a reconciliation campaign to bring back the necessary support we need. I hope Zakhem will see that as a good start,” Sikwane said.
Both Chiefs and GU have ceded domestic control to a rampant Township Rollers, who enjoy financial backing from Jagdish Shah.