With a move to Santos in the offing, Notwane have criticised Rollers for trying to steal their player. This comes after South African soccer magazine Kick-Off reported on June 18 that Leshomo belongs to Rollers. "The club (Santos) has signed Botswana Under-23 international Carecca Leshomo from Township Rollers on a two-year deal. Coach Roger De Sa spotted the 22-year-old at the intervarsity games while he was studying law at the University of Pretoria," reported Kick-Off.
Information reaching Monitor Sport indicate that Leshomo signed for Notwane at the beginning of the just-ended season but was never used until he decided to train with Rollers in January. While at Rollers, it is understood that the club's managing director Somerset Gobuiwang organised trials for the youngster at the Cape Town club. Apparently after passing trials, Rollers wrote to Notwane asking for permission to talk to the player.
Leshomo told Monitor Sport from Ramatlabama that he is surprised that Notwane claims that he belongs to them. "There is no doubt that my blue-book is with Notwane. But they didn't see me as a player while training with them and they have not phoned me since I left the club. At Notwane, when they don't know you as a player, the management don't care about you. Now because I am bound to move to South Africa, they are making noise because they want to make money. How can they make money with somebody whom they've not spoken to in months?" the player asked.
He told Monitor Sport that Notwane have made it clear to him that they would not release his blue-book to Rollers. "I want to play for Rollers during Kabelano Charity Cup. They have supported me throughout and I want to pay back with some sterling performances. I will start training at Rollers on Monday (today)," he told Monitor Sport. Leshomo added that he would seek legal intervention this week because he does not want Notwane to spoil his career.
Notwane spokesman James Mooki said that they were surprised to read in the media that Leshomo belongs to Rollers. "As far as we know, his book is with us. If he's transferred (to Santos), we'll have to be involved," he said.
Efforts to get a comment from Gobuiwang were fruitless. But Rollers' vice chairman Dumi Mmualefhe said they are aware that Leshomo belongs to Notwane until such a time that he is released. "We've written to them (Notwane) that we want to talk to the player. At this moment, we are not aware that he has agreed terms with Santos. If after signing for us, he decides to further his career somewhere, let it be," Mmualefhe told Monitor Sport. In a recent dispute over a player between the two rivals, Notwane emerged victorious after it was ruled their they acquired Rollers' man, Mkhari Raditsebe, legally.
