GU Troubles Deepen As League Goes To Wire
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday May 14, 2018 13:49
The Money Machine as they are popularly known have been struggling with internal bickering leading to a standoff between the players and management.
The players have in the past threatened to down tools over unpaid salaries while the management on the other hand admitted to financial troubles. However, last week some senior players took a decision to stay away from the matches until their salaries are paid. On Saturday, GU only managed to bring eight players for the match against Police XI who are fighting for their survival in the league. During the match two of their players suffered injuries and with six players only remaining, the match was called off taking incidents of such nature to three in two seasons.
It started with Mochudi Centre Chiefs last season before Gilport Lions also had their match called off after failing to bring an adequate number of players to the match. The match would have decided whether Police XI remained in the relegation battle up to the last match or secured their Premier League status. Police XI are currently sitting on position 11 with 34 points and two matches remaining. They are taking Sankoyo Bush Bucks who are also battling for survival. Sankoyo on Saturday came from behind to thrash relegated Gilport Lions 6-1. They moved to position 12 with 32 points from 29 games. TAFIC are living dangerously in position 14 with 31 points after their 2-1 loss to Extension Gunners. Gunners with that victory have all but survived after some scare in the last few games. TAFIC on the other hand will now have to win their last game and hope that Security Systems, Police XI or Sankoyo, lose their remaining matches.
The battle for the top eight finish will also likely go down to the wire for the remaining two spots after Township Rollers, Jwaneng Galaxy, Orapa United, Miscellaneous, GU and BDF XI all having secured their places in the top eight. For the first time in many seasons, the race for the league title will also be decided on the last day. Rollers are currently holding a two-point lead at the top over Galaxy. Rollers will play Extension Gunners while Galaxy take on Chiefs in what is must-win matches for both sides.