BFA cagey on Gabonamong return deal

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Wednesday August 25, 2010 00:00

 

Gabonamong, who turns out for South African side Engen Santos, announced his return to the national team last week. He has previously snubbed Zebras' call-ups saying that the BFA does not take players' welfare seriously.

The Santos skipper feels there must be some sort of insurance should he get injured while playing for the national team.

Last month, he told Mmegi Sport that he asked for P13,000 in appearance fees, which the association said it was not able to pay. The two parties then settled for P10,000 ahead of the Tunisia tie but BFA did not make a follow-up leading to the Santos' skipper missing the clash.

However, it is not clear whether the BFA and the player have reached an agreement for him to come back. BFA technical director, Tlhagiso Sethibe was evasive when asked about the issue. 

'I wouldn't say yes or no. I was not aware he had refused to play in the national team,' he told Mmegi Sport. He said dialogue between the BFA and the former Township Rollers star had nothing to do with money. 

'It's not about money. The BFA cannot negotiate on the money,' he said. Apparently, Gabonamong spoke to BFA early last week and an undisclosed solution was hammered out last Wednesday. The player has said he is returning to the national team to play for patriotic reasons.

Zebras coach, Stanley Tshosane is excited to have Gabonamong back. 'The issue has been sorted out and Mogogi should be part of the team when we play Togo next month. He's always been an important member of the team and having him is obviously a major boost for us,' Tshosane said.

'I think he only needed his grievances addressed because he seems to be eager to play for the national team,' he added.

Meanwhile, Zebras' number one goalkeeper, Modiri Marumo could be on his way to David Bright's Bay United in South Africa after a week-long trial.

The BDF XI shot-stopper joined the National First Division side in Benoni last week where the team was having its pre-season training.

Marumo watched from the terraces as his club, BDF XI, went down 1-0 at the hands of Police XI on Saturday in the be MOBILE Premier League.