BPL insists there is no transfer window extension

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Thursday January 26, 2012 00:00

The Botswana Premier League (BPL) has stuck to the January 31 deadline, saying clubs can negotiate with national team players' employers while those that are free agents can still move after the window closes.

The general manager at BPL, Setete Phutego said they had consulted Botswana Football Association (BFA) over the issue and come to an agreement that the window closes next week.

'The transfer window will close next Tuesday on January 31 despite inquiries from a few clubs,' Phutego told Mmegi Sport.

'Players whose contracts have elapsed can still move even after the transfer window closes in terms of the FIFA play rules and regulations. For those who are under contract, interested clubs are at liberty to engage the holding clubs.

We discussed the matter with BFA and clubs have been given go ahead if they want to recruit players who are in the national team,' added Phutego.

He confirmed that two clubs had inquired about the window considering that some players are on national duty in Gabon.

The current transfer window has seen minimal player movements, with the only big move being that of youth international Kgololo Leteane from Extension Gunners to Gaborone United.

Meanwhile, a player tussle looks to be ensuing after Mandlenkosi Sibanda, who signed a contract with BMC on December 18, 2011 is said to have penned a new deal with his former club, ECCO City Greens. Sibanda was on target when the Lobatse side in their 7-0 demolition of Jwaneng Comets in a practice match played on Sunday.

Phutego confirmed that the player's registration book was still with the Francistown outfit.