23 Jul 2017

Sankoyo Bush Bucks chairman, Itumeleng Kelebetseng has assured supporters that payment of players will be on top of their agenda this coming season.

He said currently they owed players and technical committee P1.2 million, noting that finances still remained a major challenge for the club as they ended up incurring debts in order to run the club.

Kelebetseng informed supporters during a meeting recently that 90 per cent of the debt was players wage bill, stating that players’ salaries only costs the cub over P100 000.

He said for the past ten months, they had been struggling to pay players their wages and incentives.

He  revealed that some have already engaged Department of Labour to intervene, while some engaged the players union.

Kelebetseng said they had a meeting with the union which advised them to reserve 60 per cent of every income generated for players, but noted that was not enough as at times players were paid less than P200 per month.

To rectify the situation, he explained that a decision was taken by management to use the price money to clear the outstanding balance of the players so that they start the season with good morale.

He also mentioned that transport was also a challenge to the team, adding that at times the boys travelled late at night because there was no money to pay for transport.

He thanked Sankoyo Tshwaragano Management Trust for always being there to rescue the club during tough times.

For away games, he said the team spent only P348 000 on transport.

He explained that although the team was donated a mini bus last year, but it was reported that the bus had breakdown while on away game at Gaborone.

Kelebetseng said without the Trust support, the team could had missed critical games which were to determine their stand in the premier league.

On other issues, the supporters were informed that the former committee had accomplished their mandate as they were tasked with three objectives.

The objectives were to ensure the team survives relegation; registration of membership and holding annual general meeting where the registered members would be given an opportunity to elect an executive committee of their choice.

Kelebetseng proudly announced that all the objectives had been achieved and thanked his fellow committee members for cooperation.

Meanwhile, the chairman also informed fellow supporters that the club is currently working around the clock to assemble a strong team and recruit a head coach.

He said they have managed to hold successful trials to select best players, noting that about four candidates have also submitted their applications for head coach.

He said soon they would announce the new head coach.

Former coach Drago Stanlojovic left the club end of the season as he went for greener pastures at the big giant Township Rollers. ENDS