Driller digs in over P500 player transfers
Claims to have contracts with players We do not have copies of contracts - BVF
The Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) transfer window is now open, but there are already disputes over players’ movements. Yaros Club owner, Odirile ‘Driller’ Sibanda is accused of refusing to release players, arguing they have running contracts with his team.
The player’s transfer fee is capped at P500, but Sibanda wants more.
When players are released from clubs, they are supposed to follow BVF play rules and regulations.
“When a club signs a player from another, they should pay P500, of which P100 goes to BVF as administration fee. Sibanda is now coming up with his own rules.
He wants us to pay more for the players from Yaros. He is holding us at ransom,” a source said. Some of the players are said to have a contract with Yaros. It is said there is a Yaros player keen on joining Spiking Stars, but the move is complicated
by the contract he signed.
“The matter was reported to the BVF and Yaros was given 14 days, which lapsed yesterday to have released the player. Players do not have copies of contracts but he claims to have extended them,” the source further said.
Speaking to Mmegi Sport, Sibanda said he runs an academy not a society like other clubs.
“I invest in this business and I submit annual returns at the Registrar of Societies. I train these players and make them believe that they can earn a living from volleyball.
I start working on my players at senior secondary school until they complete tertiary level. They are now national team players. But I am expected to give away my players for free,” he said.
Sibanda said the P500 transfer fee is outdated. He said his players have contracts but some of them are lapsing. He said the contracts are normally for two to five years.
BVF vice president - technical, George Keotsene said as of now they do not have copies of contracts between any affiliate and players.
“In cases where there are contracts, the BVF is supposed to have copies of such,” he said.
Keotsene said when there are conflicts between clubs, the federation would resolve all issues in line with the process.
Keotsene said when players want to move from one club to another, there is a process that is followed that includes mediation where there are disagreements. He said the office would then solve the matter in line with BVF play rules and regulations.
“BVF might deny knowing about contracts but it is something that was discussed. The players are my employees, even though I do not pay them salaries, I pay them through services that I provide,” Sibanda said.
He stated that it is important for him to benefit from players’ movements. He stressed that he wants to see players from his club playing for clubs that they wish to join.
Meanwhile, the date for the BVF elections has finally been released, with affiliates now due to go to the polls on April 9.
According to information reaching Mmegi Sport, Keotsene and Sibanda would battle it out for the position of president. Ndibo Lebala wants to continue in his position as vice president -administration. Edgar Serole is eyeing the vice president - technical position.
Johannes Ralegoreng remains undecided about an additional member position.
According to the BVF office, the list of the candidates is expected next week.