Okaile remains resolute despite planned coup
Kabelo Boranabi | Wednesday November 15, 2017 18:07
Okaile, who was voted into office in 2015, has not enjoyed the best of times as he has been at loggerheads with a section of supporters.
The fight over the control of the club has landed in court as a group by Molatedi Diole challenges Okaile’s legitimacy as the club chairman.
Earlier this year, it is reported that Okaile who is in his second of a four-year term, dodged a bullet as he refused to attend a meeting called by some of the regions’ leadership. At the meeting, the chairpersons of the regions were said to have planned a motion of no confidence against him. The D-day to remove Okaile was set for the AGM that was scheduled for last month, but was postponed as the members did not form a quorum.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, Okaile dared his opponents and showed confidence that he would not be ousted from his position. “The majority chose me to lead GU. I beat (Tymon) Katlholo by seven votes. I will even tell them at the AGM; even if they call for elections I will still win. They say I lost the majority support, I still have the support. It is the majority that put me in power and I will lead.”
“We are going to have an AGM in a few weeks and I can put my head on the block if they call for elections. I have lived an apologetic life (as the GU chairman) and that made the players suffer due to the in-fights. Whoever suggests a motion of no confidence I will ask their plans for the club. I am a responsible chairman, it will be irresponsible to let someone who does not have bright plans for the club, to take over,” he said.
He further revealed that through his company, Warentebo Investments he has spent just over P1 million at Moyagoleele since last season. He said the club lost its main financiers in Mobicel and Zac Construction who contributed P1 million each.
“This season we have not had the best of times in terms of finances. We lost Zac and Mobicel. Zac contributed P468,000 in kind, which is still coming. We lost the P1 million from both companies.
But we have gone back to Zac and he is still warming up to the idea of giving us another P1 million sponsorship.” “I am the chairman of GU and it is a pity that I came during turbulent times. When I saw that there is a need I had to take money from my company and help. If their motion of no confidence is successful whoever comes in should know that, that’s my money,” he said.
As if it was not enough, Okaile launched a scathing attack on the media, particularly football publication, Spotkick and national broadcaster, RB2.
He accused the two media houses of false reporting.
He said he has been avoiding the two outlets and preferred to deal with those who had not portrayed him and the club in bad light. The chairperson, however, revealed that he was ready to bury the hatchet and called for peace.