GUNNERS IN P3M DEBT Lobatse BFL outfit in the red as creditors demand their dues
Botswana Football League outfit Extension Gunners is reportedly struggling with mounting debt believed to be in the region of P3 million since the COVID 19 pandamic struck last year. Following the protracted sports ban due to the COVID 19 pandemic, Gunners like many other rival clubs had previously relied on gate takings, and the halting of competitive football last year has severely added to their existing woes.
Most of the club’s creditors include former players and coaches. One such case is that Ugandan defender, Naziri Mbabali who was signed to the club on a two year deal. The foreign player is believed to have only made one appearance for the club, during a 1-2 defeat to Gilport Lions at University of Botswana Stadium over a year ago. After failing to cement a place in the team, the club resorted to terminating his contract. The player dragged the club before FIFA and court of Arbitration for Sport, where Gunners were ordered to settle the debt. The Peleng giants have reportedly paid him P67 000-00.
The amortization plan agreement between the two parties was that the player will be paid P10 000-00 per week. Adding to their already sorry state of affairs, the club also had to fork out P80 000-00 to pay Zimbabwean versatile midfielder, Kudzanai Machedzai his outstanding dues after he left the club to join Notwane Football Club.
Contacted for comment on the state of affairs at Extension Gunners, Chairman George Kerekang admitted to the current struggles the club is battling.
“We have paid Naziri all that we had agreed on and are only left with his air fares. Since the pandemic, a lot of claimants came up, claiming to be owed by the team. We are currently engaging to avoid unnecessary situations,” he said.
In 2019, the club released a statement reporting that their debt was around P1.8 million, fresh information reaching this publication is that the debt now stands at over P3 Million. The Lobatse based out-fit in recent months embarked on a rigorous membership drive campaign as a way of raising funds for the club. This publication can confirm that one of their longest serving player is expected to serve them with papers demanding his long standing over dues which stands at close to P400 000.00.
“Gunners owes a lot of people, we owe past and current players, we are currently engaging with them to draft payment plans and find solutions to issues harmoniously,” Kerekang stated.
Former coaches, Stanley Mwaanga, Tumi Duiker and Dragojlo Stanojlovic are some of the names mentioned on the list of those in line to receive their dues.
In order to manage their financials better, this publication can confirm that the club is close to reaching an agreement with one of the country’s leading audit firms, who will prepare the team’s financials, manage and audit accounts. The club is expected to hold their annual general assembly on July 24, following postponements in the recent past and plans to hold it virtually are underway.