Times Of Swaziland: ‘BULL’ NOT OWED E90K – PUPU’S AGENT

‘BULL’ NOT OWED E90K – PUPU’S AGENT
================================================================================
Sanele Jele on 20/11/2024 09:06:00


MBABANE – Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze’s agent, Alimasi Bin Saleh, has
vehemently refuted claims that Tabora United owes Mbabane Highlanders E90 000.
His remarks came in response to statements made by Highlanders Director Chief
Ally Kgomongwe, who indicated that they would not distribute gate takings to
players due to outstanding debts to Mbabane Swallows for Sikhondze’s signing
on fee.“We were garnished by the courts to pay Swallows E40 000 for
Sikhondze’s transfer. We must settle this debt, because Tabora has yet to
remit the E90 000 owed to us for the player. We had anticipated their payment so
we could reimburse Swallows,” Kgomongwe stated during an interview on national
radio last Friday.
He further asserted that it would be futile to allocate gate takings to the
players, while they still owe Swallows. “The gate takings will be directed to
Swallows. Those players who petitioned the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) have
breached my contract. They have demonstrated disloyalty; they should have
approached me directly instead of escalating the matter to the PLE,” he added.
Kgomongwe also mentioned that he would take action against the agent who
facilitated Sikhondze’s transfer, as the Tanzanian club has not fulfilled
their financial obligations.
In contrast, Bin Saleh contended that Kgomongwe’s assertions were inaccurate,
clarifying that Sikhondze’s team owes them E45 000, not the E90 000 claimed.
“I will provide evidence that Highlanders are owed E45 000, not the inflated
figure that has been suggested. It is true that the team has not compensated
Highlanders due to financial difficulties,” he stated.
Letter
A letter shared with this publication confirmed: “We, Tabora United football
club, agree to pay a sum of US$2 500 to Mbabane Highlanders football club as
transfer fees for the player Banele Junior Sikhondze, who has signed a two-year
contract with us.” Despite the challenges faced by the team, Bin Saleh
affirmed that they are providing ‘Pupu’ with a monthly salary of E18 000 for
the next two years, along with match bonuses. He appealed for patience from
Highlanders’ management, assuring them that the team would eventually settle
the outstanding amount, although he did not specify a timeline.