In almost every transfer window, reports of players’ exodus are rife but in the end all is back to normal at the club.
It is no exception even in this year’s transfer period and many people are wondering whether this time the exodus is for real and thus resulting in the team’s title aspirations going up in smoke.
Already several players are reported wanting out while others are targets of certain teams who are challenging for league honours.
The players who are reported to be on the verge of leaving Centre Chiefs are Sekhana Koko, Tshepho Motlhabankwe, Dirang Moloi, Mpho Mabogo, Derric Ntumbayi, and Moemedi Moatlhaping.
There are reports that Koko and Motlhabankwe might re-join their respective former teams, Township Rollers and Extension Gunners.
Mabogo, on the other hand, looks to be headed to defending champions, Gaborone United, while Ntumbayi might head to the log trailers BMC.
For Moatlhaping, it is not yet clear but it is definite he is leaving the club. Some reports link him to his former team, Township Rollers.
Dirang Moloi is headed for trials in China this coming week.
If all the players finally move, Centre Chiefs would be left with a thin squad meaning that they have to reinforce.
Centre Chiefs mouth piece, Clifford Mogomotsi, told The Sunday Standard that Mabogo, Motlhaping and Ntumbayi made it clear that they want to leave the club because they are getting limited game time.
“Every coach has his own philosophy of the game and combinations and it is unfortunate the three players do not feature regularly in the current team. We won’t stand in their way if they want to leave but they still remain valuable players,” he said.
In regard to Motlhabankwe and Koko, Mogomotsi said they are going nowhere. He said Koko has not indicated any desire to move while they managed to persuade Motlhabankwe to stay.
“Motlhabankwe is a valuable player that every team wants. We managed to talk to him because we want to build the team around him. Once some of our players leave we do not intend to buy seasoned ones but to promote several youngsters in our team. Youngsters need guidance of experienced players like Motlhabankwe,” Mogomotsi said.
In regard to Moloi, he said it would depend on how the trials go. He said once he passes them they will take it from there.
Initially, Moloi was linked with a move to South African teams. Mogomotsi, however, said things have changed now because most South African teams are focusing on the local players because of the World Cup in June.
“Most teams are concentrating on giving local players a chance in order to catch the eye of the national team coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira. You might be aware that they long opened and closed their transfer window in November rather than abiding with the international one that has just opened. Maybe after the World Cup the interest will resurface,” he said.
Mogomotsi did not, however, rule out any new developments regarding the players leaving the team. He said the transfer window has just opened and still has a few weeks before it closes.
