The rot has spread at an alarming rate
Mqondisi Dube | Friday April 20, 2018 13:10
The GU situation is being replicated across the league with only Township Rollers, Security Systems, BDF XI, Police XI, Orapa United and Jwaneng Galaxy, able to meet their financial obligations.
Clubs such as Gilport Lions, Extension Gunners, TAFIC, Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Miscellaneous, Uniao Flamengo Santos, Sharps Shooting Stars are also facing the financial pinch.
Clubs have largely relied on grants, which are only P335,000 per season, as gate takings have dwindled for the majority of the teams, with only Rollers making meaningful income from the turnstiles.
While the GU case dominated football talk this week, it has however, not reached the Dispute Resolution Chambers (DRC).
Footballers Union of Botswana (FUB) secretary general, Kgosana Masaseng said the GU matter has not been reported to their office.
Instead, it is only prolific striker, Tumisang ‘Teenage’ Orebonye who has taken his case to FUB as he wants his contract terminated.
The player has been linked with a move to Township Rollers next season.
“The only matter we have is that of Orebonye who wants to terminate his contract. Other than that nothing has come through. The biggest challenge is that we now have the Dispute Resolution Chamber. If there are no documents, like players’ contracts, we cannot report the matter to the dispute resolution body,” Masaseng said.
He said some players do not report to FUB due to fear of victimisation. Evidence of the situation being dire across for all clubs, Masaseng said at least eight have cases before the DRC.
“Most clubs have cases of failing to pay players. Eight have cases. We are talking about six clubs that are able to pay their players consistently, the rest are struggling,” Masaseng said.