Big names stay put

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Tuesday August 17, 2010 00:00

 

As usual, speculation was rife about the star players seeking new clubs especially at the big guns. A mass exodus was said to be looming at defending Premier League champions, Township Rollers towards the end of the transfer window but they have only lost Itayi Gwandu to a local sides. Gwandu joined rivals, Mochudi Centre Chiefs while Edwin Moalosi and Terrence Mandaza moved abroad.

Rollers managed to hold on to some of their key players like Joel Mogorosi, Edwin Olerile and Onalethata Tshekiso despite rumours linking them to Chiefs and Gaborone United (GU). It was said that most of the players were unhappy at the way the issue of bonuses was handled by the club. The big names Rollers have signed are Sekhana Koko, Musonda Mweuku and Canny Gaontebale.

Chiefs have also retained some of the key players who were linked to other clubs. Although they have lost Koko and Mweuku, they have succeeded in convincing the likes of Pontsho Moloi, Noah Maposa and Oteng Moalosi to stay put.

Moloi and Maposa had been linked to GU while Moalosi was on the wanted list of Rollers. Extension Gunners managed to hold on to Ofentse Mmipi, Kgololo Leteane and Kemmy Pilato although they have lost goalkeeper, Ntungamile Tshoganetso, striker Bernard Semakwezi, defender Emmanuel Nlu and fans' favourite, Othusitse Mahube. They have replaced Tshoganetso with Raphael Nthwane while striker Tiroyamodimo 'TRX' Mohambi returned to the club.

Notwane who have always been victims in the transfer window have this time succeeded in keeping their key players. The likes of Kgaodi Odirile, Barnes Radipotsane and Pako Moloi are expected to continue where they left last season. Notwane however lost Moreetsi Mosimanyana to BDF XI.

Uniao Flamengo Santos appeared close to losing their two exciting youngsters, Mogakolodi Ngele and Thato Bolweleng to Rollers but this did not happen though the duo was said to have handed in transfer requests.