Unsettled Gilport expected to dominate transfer market
Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday December 21, 2017 13:07
Gilport are in a crisis with only eight registered players left while the rest terminated their contracts due to the club’s failure to meet contractual obligations.
The players recently boycotted their game against Jwaneng Galaxy over unpaid salaries for October and November. They involved the Footballers Union of Botswana (FUB) in the matter and the players and the club agreed to mutual termination of contracts. The Botswana Premier League (BPL) was forced to postpone the team’s league matches until January when the league resumes.
Gilport Lions are currently holding trials until tomorrow, in an effort to identify replacements for players that have departed. The club has since stated that they were no longer coping with the wage bill hence they agreed to terminate the contracts. They are hoping that they find much cheaper replacements and young players willing to prove themselves in the elite league. They are currently rooted at the bottom of the log standings with four points from nine games. The Botswana Football Association (BFA) has since announced that the transfer window will open on January 1 to January 31.
Besides Gilport Lions, not much activity is expected in the coming transfer window. Log leaders, Township Rollers have already signed Ofentse Nato but coach, Nikola Kavazovic has said they will not be too busy since some of the key players will be returning from injury.
Joel Mogorosi, who started the season on fire but suffered an injury along the way, has recovered. Forgotten left winger, Galagwe Moyana who has been out of action for about a year, is also expected to return in January.
The club had decided not to register him for the first part of the season since he was still recovering from a recurring knee injury.
“There is not going to be too many changes; Nato came. For me the main task is that Joel and Galagwe return and if I see my players in good health when we come back, that is the best transfer window for me. I do not need new players,” Kavazovic said after the game against Extension Gunners on Sunday.
Gunners are expected to boost their striking force if coach, Itumeleng Duiker’s remarks are anything to go by. Duiker has decried lack of depth upfront this season which has resulted in them dropping points even in matches where they dominated in terms of creating chances. He has said he will be looking to get a target man who will assist Kenanao ‘Flo’ Kgetholetsile.
Not many changes are expected at Mochudi Centre Chiefs as far as new players are concerned as the club continues with financial struggles.
It remains to be seen if Malawian coach, Kinnah Phiri will stay at the club after reports that he has asked to terminate his contract because of unfulfilled promises. Diamond giants, Orapa United and Jwaneng Galaxy are expected to announce new coaches when the window opens after parting ways with Madinda Ndlovu and Mike Sithole respectively.