Following acquisition of a Premier Soccer League (PSL) status by Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila at the start of the 2020/21 DStv premiership season, the owners of the club overstretched and sold it despite players outstanding salaries.
Rooted at the bottom of the DStv premiership, the Limpopo based outfit financial woes escalated resulting in senior players among them Botswana international Mogakolodi Ngele, Lerato Lamola and skipper Letlhogonolo Nonyane reportedly downing tools.
Allegations from South African media indicated that some players including Ngele revolted after receiving half salaries and never returned to the club from the Christmas break.
While players’ salaries remain unpaid, South Africa Football Players Union (SAFPU) is reportedly working swiftly to ensure certain players outstanding balances are cleared. However, SAFPU efforts are paying off as the club has given assurance that they will pay players dues in due course.
The new owner, Dr Abram Sello reportedly promised that before the deal is approved by the South Africa Premier Soccer League (PSL) outstanding balances will be settled.
It is said that Dr Sello could be forced to fork out more than R15 million to pay outstanding balances. Vhadau Vha Damani as it is affectionately called allegedly owe Buhle Mkwanazi close to R5 million, Oupa Manyisa R2 million and Joseph Molongoane an undisclosed amount while former gaffer Vladislav Heric has reportedly dragged the club to FIFA claiming R6 million for unfair dismissal.
While the troubled club is set to relocate from Thohoyandou to Polokwane, it was said that players outstanding salaries were expected to be paid on the 28th January.
Meanwhile, allegations are rife that Cape Town City are sniffing around in search of Ngele’s signature. Sources revealed that Ngele is allegedly seeking termination of contract with a view of starting talks with the mother city outfit.
“Cape Town City has shown interest in the services of Ngele and likely to move before the end of the transfer window expected to elapse on the 15th of February 2021. Ngele did not take lightly receiving half salaries and delayed signing fees hence reports that together with some of the senior players demanded money before returning to training,” a source told Sunday Standard.
Signed together with Zambian international Justin Shonga, the Chipolopolo striker made a move to Cape Town City just three months after signing a deal with the Limpopo based side. Shonga has already made three appearances for his new side and is amongst the list still owed by his former club. TTM is rooted at the bottom of the DStv premiership after 13 matches. The rookies have won just a single match, drawing six and losing six. Since making an appearance in top flight football, the club has only managed seven goals past goalkeepers and conceded an avalanche 19 goals. Efforts to reach Ngele went futile by press time as his phone was off.
