Just weeks after sending four of their most experienced players packing, Gaborone United (GU) are reported to be preparing to end their relationship with defenders Gobonyeone ‘Shoes’ Selefa and Zambian Given Mpundu before the end of the season.
According to information reaching Telegraph Sports, the Reds are trying to release players who they think are not for the future.
About three weeks ago, GU surprisingly released goalkeeper Kgosietsile Senjoba, captain Kabo ‘Branco’ Molokwane, utility players Boitumelo ‘Bashien’ Modisaotsile and Kenny ‘Shoes’ Ledikwe.
The reason for releasing them was not communicated to them, their release coming as a shock to some.
Sources say the outgoing coach Letang ‘Rasta’ Kgengwenyane and his assistant Chris Rabalago are the ones to blame for the current developments at the club. It is understood that both Kgengwenyane and Rabalago prefer to work with youngsters, hence their dominance of team sheets on match days. “We’re talking about players who have won us the league after almost 18 years without any silverware. If they are seen as problematic players, why now? I think the coaching team has a problem of inferiority complex hence they cannot work with the senior players. Though they have not told the players yet, I understand Mpundu and Shoes (Selefa) are the next for the exit door,” said an inside source.
When contacted for comment, GU vice-chairman, Babatshe Paphane, dismissed the reports saying that both Selefa and Mpundu remain part of the Reds’ set-up.
Paphane said that Selefa’s contract runs until September while that of Mpundu expires in the coming year.
The duo was recruited to GU by the then coach Mike Sithole who worked closely with them at Mochudi Centre Chiefs.
While Mpundu has been a regular at the heart of the Reds’ defence, the same cannot be said about Selefa. The former Under-23 international has made cameo appearances for GU.
“Those players are with us and note that Mpundu is on loan to us. We’ve just talked to him recently and I agreed that he’ll be released early to go to Zambia so that he comes in time for the pre-season,” said Paphane.
But our sources dismissed Paphane’s statement.
“What we decide about certain players is purely between us because we do not want to jeopardize their future careers. We respect the players we have released hence we’ve remained mum on the reasons which led us to that decision,” added Paphane.
Mpundu told Telegraph Sports that he is not aware that GU intends to release him.
But he confirmed that he will be going home (to Zambia) soon after failing to travel for the festive season as he had problems with his work permit.
For his part, Selefa said, “When you’re home and things are not going your way you can tell. They might not have said it but I can sense something.”
He said since arriving at GU, he has not enjoyed himself because of little time on the field.
