Is Dlamini being pushed out of Gunners?

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday February 26, 2010 00:00

 

It is alleged that Dlamini connived with some people to improperly use the funds raised for the club through the sale of merchandise. He told Mmegi Sport yesterday that the allegations are serious and has dented his reputation and that of his family. An emotional Dlamini said: 'I'm aware of who is going around spreading these malicious rumours and the bad thing is that some people are believing the reports. The truth of the matter is that I've never been involved in the selling of the merchandise though I was involved in the negotiations. The different supporters' branches are the ones, which are selling all our products, and not on any given day have I laid my hands on the money raised. I've been involved with Gunners for a long time and I can't fiddle with their funds because I know the club is struggling'.

He added that if the supporters do not understand anything, they must come forward and get the right information. He said that it is disturbing for people to think that he can use Gunners for his own benefit. 'I've fought hard to ensure that things are run smoothly in this team and it is surprising that people would think that I'm benefiting in any way. Those who are spreading these rumours are frustrated people who want to come in because the team is doing well. Whenever an organisation is doing well, a lot of people want to come in to have their own share and this is what is happening at Gunners,' he said.

Dlamini pointed out that these accusations are being used to push him out. He said that he is not worried if other people want to come and serve the club. But he advised that they must come in the right manner and not spoil the good name he has made over the years. 'I've always said that I want to hand the position to other people but I was urged to continue helping. I'm sorry to say this, but there are some committee members who do not have the club's interests at heart hence they can mislead the supporters with such statements. I have worked hard over the years for this team and no one can take that away from me,' he said. Dlamini is said to have had a meeting with the club's elders on Tuesday evening to discuss the matter. The elders promised to give him their support.

At the time of going to press, efforts to get a comment from Gunners' chairman Keorapetse Kgasa were fruitless as his phone was off. Gaborone supporters' branch chairman Teko Lempehu rubbished the allegations saying that Dlamini is innocent. He pointed out that the branches have taken the responsibility of selling all the club's products and whatever is raised is forwarded to the treasurer. 'You have to understand that when the club is doing well, people tend to come with different stories especially when they want to be involved. We've all the records on the selling of the club's merchandise and we're ready to show it to anyone who wants. I'm sorry Kitso finds himself in this situation but like I said, he is wrongly accused,' said Lempehu.