Trouble seems to be brewing at Premier League side, Mochudi Centre Chiefs. Reports have surfaced already that they are having problems with the incumbent coach, Mike Sithole, and now players are reported to have threatened to boycott their training sessions following late payment of their salaries.
Coach Sithole’s contract runs out in three months and Chiefs have not expressed interest in renewing it. The team’s executive committee is reported to be divided on the matter. Sithole’s situation is even compounded by the fact that Centre Chiefs have since appointed former national Under 23 coach, Keitumetse Paul, as his assistant. This is reported to be a vote of no confidence on Sithole by the management.
Paul’s appointment is also believed to be a way for him to familiarise himself with Centre Chiefs environment before he finally takes over from Sithole when his contract runs out. Reports which surfaced indicate that Centre Chiefs are displeased with Sithole’s team selection in matches they lost crucial points. Chiefs management believe that they should be fighting pound for pound with current leaders Township Rollers. Chiefs are currently third on the log standings behind Rollers and BDF XI and trail the former with nine points.
The late payment of players’ salaries is also reported to be another area of consternation with players. A close source at Centre Chiefs told Sunday Standard that players threatened to boycott training this week, something that could have been an embarrassment to the team. “It took a concerted effort to talk to the players and eventually everything was sorted out amicably. How can the players perform to the club’s expectation in a situation like this? The next thing is for the coach to be blamed. I think the team should start resolving this situation before it gets out of hand,” the source said.
Centre Chiefs has some of the talented and highest paid players in the Premier League just like league leaders, Township Rollers. Efforts to speak to Centre Chiefs spokes person, Clifford Mogomotsi hit a snag as his mobile phone rang unanswered.
