OUT OF THE GALAXY
CCTV leads expected mass exodus out of Jwaneng
ADECISION by the defending Botswana Premier League Champions, Jwaneng Galaxy’s Executive Committee to suspend players’ salaries and instead pay them P3 000 allowances could backfire badly.
Voice Sport has been reliably informed that some senior players in the team are planning to show their displeasure by demanding the immediate termination of their contracts.
One senior player, Lebogang ‘CCTV’ Ditsele, this week served Galaxy Chairman, Njabulo Gilika, with a letter requesting his clearance.
Ditsele, whose contract will come to an end next June, did not take kindly to being told to vacate the house he was given by the club to a caravan and pay for any maintenance that may be needed. Voice Sport learnt that some of the damages to the house include broken windows, damaged locks and the shower.
In a strongly-worded letter, the hard-tackling midfielder made it clear that he won’t be able to survive on P3 000 and would not be moving into a caravan. Instead, Ditsele proposed that the two parties should amicably part ways with immediate effect.
“If granted, I’ll immediately vacate the house at unit 5 and we’ll discuss the damages at the house and pay for those I believe were caused by me,” wrote Ditsele.
The Zebras midfielder also stated rather crudely that should the club not agree to his proposal, he’d not vacate the house.
“The club will pay for it, and I’ll not pay anything towards damages at my previous residence at Unit 6,” warned Ditsele.
In an interview with Voice Sport on Wednesday afternoon, Gilika acknowledged receipt of Ditsele’s fiery letter but hastened to add that they are yet to meet as the committee to discuss it’s contents before meeting him. The Chairman further revealed that the team is literally left with nothing in the coffers.
“We spent a lot in the CAF campaign and the little money we have left can only cover allowances, and even that may not be enough until the start of the next football season,” said Gilika.
The Chairman said the sad situation is beyond their control.
“Yes, there are contracts in place but they are talking about playing football and currently there is no action. Payment cannot be as normal as when the league is on because sponsors cannot give us money when there is no value for their money,” explained Gilika.
“There is no source of income. As soon as everything normalises, we will go back to paying their salaries,” said Gilika.
The concerned administrator, who has been credited with turning the Jwaneng club into a formidable side, said a lot of money was spent paying for their visitors’ Covid-19 tests, referees and match commissioner’s allowance during CAF games.
LEAVE
Meanwhile, Galaxy number one goalkeeper, Ezekiel Morake, is expected to leave the Defending Champions after Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates, came sniffing around.
Though he did not want to divulge details, Morake’s agent, Bakang Moipone, confirmed the Buccaneers’ interest.
“My client still has a contract with Galaxy, which comes to the end next year in October.
The Chairman, however, told Voice Sport that he was not aware of Pirates’ interest in their goalkeeper. “There has been no formal contact. I, however, hope it becomes reality as it will be good for his growth. We’ll release any player who has an opportunity to play in elite leagues as we respect our players’ interests,” Gilika said.