Rollers' managing director, Somerset Gobuiwang said at a press briefing in Gaborone on Monday that in the event that Pirates sells the player to another club, they (Rollers) will get eight percent of the transfer fee. He said that previously, little was done to market local players and that is why good talent like Desmond Molefe never made it abroad. He explained that Rollers will never stand in the way of any footballer who gets an offer to play outside the country. Gobuiwang said it is important to avail opportunities for local players to play abroad. He said that another South African giant, Mamelodi Sundowns were interested in Mongala before he joined Pirates. Other Rollers' players who have been in South Africa for trials include Terrence Mandaza, Edwin Olerile, Monageng Thaele and Edwin Moalosi. Gobuiwang dismissed claims that he wants to resign because he is at loggerheads with some people at Rollers over the sale of players.
Briefing journalists on his move to the Soweto giants, the speedy Mongala said he signed a three-year contract. He thanked Gobuiwang and the rest of the Rollers' management for their support. Mongala said he is not afraid of the challenge that lies ahead of him at his new club. He explained that in football, there is always pressure. He said he never gave up after not being able to play at Platinum Stars where he moved together with former Rollers' teammate, Moemedi 'Jomo' Moatlhaping, who is now at Mochudi Centre Chiefs. Mongala said that he never thought of getting a manager as he has a lot of faith in Gobuiwang who has done a lot for him. He said that his coach at Pirates, Rudi Krol is happy with his performances in pre-season tournaments. The coach advised him not to put himself under unnecessary pressure as he is still new and adapting to the Pirates' environment. The former Township Rollers' man made a good debut for Pirates in the Vodacom Challenge Cup against Manchester City where he scored a stunning goal. He was in the starting line-up when Pirates successfully defended the Telkom Charity Cup against Platinum Stars on Saturday. Mongala joins Diphetogo Selolwane (Ajax Cape Town), Mogogi Gabonamong (Engen Santos) and Jerome Ramatlhwakwana (Engen Santos) who are plying their trade in Africa's richest league. Midfielder, Boitumelo Mafoko is also likely to move to South Africa. He is on trial at Santos while Chiefs' duo of Noah Maposa and Pontsho Moloi hope to impress new Bay United coach and countryman, David Bright. The two left the country yesterday for trials with the Eastern Cape side.
