Mopako ditches Killer Giants for Letlapeng

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Friday July 16, 2010 00:00

 

The veteran midfielder scored crucial goals in Killer Giants' last three be MOBILE Premier League matches to help the club avoid automatic relegation. He has been with the side for six seasons. Mopako said he is leaving Killer Giants after the club failed to pay him.

However, Giants are reported to be trying to block the move by clinging onto his registration book.  Mopako told Mmegi Sport: 'I was owed money from as far back as when we were still in the First Division and then I did not complain because I loved the team and I understood that they had no money. I had an agreement with Killer Giants to transport those players who were staying in Lobatse with my car and that I would be paid per week but that did not happen. I thought once [we] were in the Premier League where there is better money, the club would give me my dues. The money we got for campaigning in the Premier League have been kept somewhere by some people and they do not feel that I deserve anything,' Mopako said.

'This is one team that I have sacrificed everything for, including good opportunities. I am still owed two months' salary from last season and because of my loyalty, I never even thought of refusing to play and all I got was this,' he complained.

Meanwhile, Letlapeng looks set to lose speedy winger Thabang Dira who is reported to be heading to Gaborone United (GU). Dira is also in the wanted list of Uniao Flamengo Santos and Police XI. The youngster has been one of the team's consistent performers since they gained promotion from Division Two and his darting runs down the flank was one of the reasons Letlapeng finished second behind Black Peril in the First Division.

The club's spokesperson, Herbert Malejane said while the search for a new coach has not begun after the departure of Enos Mmesi, preparations for the new season are underway. He said there is no ill-feeling at the club because of Mmesi's departure to BMC to become assistant to Kaizer Kalambo because he was out of contract. 'We cannot say we are disappointed because we were still talking to him and he got another offer. We have to move on. We have appointed Steven Dibikiri to lead the team for now and already we have hinted to him that since he has been working with Mmesi, we might as well go for him if we do not find a suitable replacement but he has not confirmed his availability,' Malejane said.

'As for the departure of Thabang, it was imminent, the boy has been performing well for us and there has always been interest from bigger teams and we blocked his move on more than one occasion because we thought we would gain promotion. After we failed, we feel it is better to let him take the opportunities while he is still young,' he explained.