Notwane Football Club faces the risk of losing some of their key players when the transfer window opens soon.
Some of the players have accused the club of not fulfilling their promises and being owed huge amounts of money.
Kgaodi ‘Deco’ Odirile, Kenamile Mani, goalkeeper Botlhe Moralo, Othusitse ‘Sphetho’ Mahube, Pako Moloi and Nelson Moreetsi are some of the players allegedly wanting out of Toronto.
Already some of the Premier League sides have approached some of the players in a bid to lure them out of the Toronto camp.
“I have already made it clear to management that I want to terminate my contract. I’m waiting for them to come back to me and I’ll be done with Notwane. There are some of the players who are sharing the same frustration like me and once the window opens, they’ll be looking elsewhere,” revealed one of the players.
Cross-town rivals Township Rollers are said to be monitoring the situation as they are said to be interested in the services of talented midfielder Odirile while Mochudi Centre Chiefs have not given up on securing Moloi.
Chiefs have been chasing the talented striker for two seasons now and if he moves this time, he will be following in the footsteps of his elder brothers Pontsho and Dirang who have worn the famous black and white strips. Mahube is likely to return to his old club Extension Gunners because since he joined Toronto he has never lived up to expectations.
With Gunners competing in the CAF Confederations Cup, Mahube might add the necessary depth the Lobatse giants would need when they conquer the continent.
Notwane communications officer, Andrew Mokgatlhane, admitted on Monday morning that there are some of the obligations they have not met pertaining to the players’ welfare but was quick to point out that they are working on them.
“We’re doing everything possible to change the situation and, hopefully, we’ll achieve that anytime soon. I just want to plead with our players to remain positive but I must make it clear that we will not stand in the way of a player who wants out,” said Mokgatlhane.
He added that before they went on the offseason break, they met with the players where they opened up to them and admitted the management’s downfall.
The spokesperson said that their main challenge this season has been funding, which he attributed to playing most of their home games outside Gaborone.
“We used to make money when we played most of our games in Gaborone (National Stadium in particular). It’s a challenge for most of our supporters to travel to Molepolole, especially when the team is not doing well,” he said. ┬áMokgatlhane advised those intending to jump ship to think thoroughly about the repercussions of moving to a new club. He said at Notwane most of the players have been enjoying game time, which is a dream of any player. He sees no use for players going to earn big salaries elsewhere when they are not guaranteed game time.
“The biggest challenge at Notwane has been losing players every season. But┬á players must learn to make wise decisions before moving,” he said. Mokgatlhane hinted that before the season kicks off, they intend to reinforce their playing squad. He said when they met about a week ago, it was agreed that there is a need to bring another goalkeeper.
Notwane has been heavily relying on Moralo and, at times, Bruce Ntsima, but with reports linking the towering Moralo out, there is a need.
Another area of concern, according to Mokgatlhane, has been that of scoring goals and a search for two strikers is ongoing.
“Our defence also needs reinforcement, especially at right and left back positions,” he concluded.