It is always said that one man’s loss is one man’s gain.
That is definitely what happened at Gaborone United (GU) this week when they terminated the contract of their Zimbabwean striker Dillion Chivandire. His place was immediately filled by compatriot Sageby Sandaka who arrived from BMC on Wednesday afternoon.
Chivandire’s exit from GU follows that of Baloni Chiseko who had his stay cut short at the Reds after some unimpressive displays at the club. When it became clear that GU were after the signature of Sandaka, allegations started flying around as to who will be shown the door between Zambian striker Ronald Chikomo and Chivandire.
In an exclusive interview on Friday morning, GU secretary, Herbert Letsebe, told the Sunday Standard that they had decided to part ways with Chivandire.
“We charged Chivandire with insubordination after he undermined the authority of the coach (Elvis Chiweshe) during a friendly game against Security Systems and league game away to Miscellaneous in Orapa. He was called for disciplinary hearing by an independent body, which has been appointed by the club. They gave their recommendation and that’s when we took a decision to part ways with him. Officially, he’s no longer a Gaborone United player,” said Letsebe.
Chivandire was brought to Gaborone United from Zimbabwean giants Dynamos during the 2010-2011 league season but he has failed to deliver the goals. In his first season, GU officials claimed that he was still adjusting to local football hence poor performances but they found themselves in a tight corner this season when he continued to falter.
The Sunday Standard has been reliably informed that Chivandire’s attitude is what caused him to struggle to settle in Botswana.
“When we brought him here, we had high hopes having seen him in action for Dynamos. It’s unfortunate that since arriving here, he has been a complete opposite hence our decision to release him. It’s always my belief that when we bring a foreigner here, he must be a cut above the locals,” he added.
On the return of Sandaka, who was discarded by the Reds at the end of 2009-2010 season, Letsebe said there is nothing strange with them being interested in Sandaka again. He pointed out that there are reasons which forced them to cut his stay at the club then.
“Football is business and sometimes you take decisions which might surprise many people. We want to believe that Sandaka has improved a lot since leaving GU even on things which we were complaining about when he left,” said Letsebe.
He added that they are still negotiating with another local striker and the deal might be struck before the end of the year. He pointed out that GU has been lacking upfront and the arrival of Sandaka and Makundika Sakala would solve their problems.
Youngsters Thato Ramatebele, Batisani Josiah, Tumisang Tsotsi, Letsatle Letsatle and Boyce Ramhago will be sent on loan to gain game time. In his parting shot, the GU secretary urged their supporters to drive carefully during the festive season saying that this is the time when they lose most of their beloved ones.
