Sundowns, GU chase Mares' stars
Following their rather surprising and chaotic exit from, Malambo FC-Equatorial Guinea, the duo of Refilwe Tholakele and Kesegofetse Odinga Mochawe are battling to secure and return to do what they love dearly—playing football.
The duo joined Malabo FC in August after impressing at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals which were held in Morocco but their time in Guinea came to an abrupt end following reports of unfair treatment.
Their return to the country was not a mutual agreement with their employer and currently have running contracts with the central African side which means they cannot sign for any other club without first being released by Malambo FC.
Botswana Football Association (BFA) and Footballers Union of Botswana (FUB)’s effort to intervene on the matter has hit a brick wall and the two players are yet to take part in any competitive football action.
The Equatorial Guinea side are reportedly looking for a hefty compensation to release the players after they spent handsomely to acquire their signatures, close reports suggest that Malambo paid Township Rollers close to P90 000 to acquire the signature of Tholakale.
“We have tried to ask for clemency for them and we have failed, the owner of the club understand football and he has the power to dictate terms,” BFA Chief Executive Officer, Mfolo Mfolo highlighted during a press briefing on Tuesday, when giving an update on the situation of the two players.
With The Mares set to begin their Paris 2024 Olympic journey, Mochawe and Tholakele’s prowess will be needed to take Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang’s side a step further than their last campaign in the competition, an achievement that will see the local ladies make history to reach the finals of the global games.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies team, who made history and became the first-ever CAF Women's Champions League winners are reportedly interested in the services of the Tholakele.
This was confirmed by BFA General Manager Monnkgotla MojKI, who reported that, he has it on good authourity that the South African giants are in contact with Malabo FC to find a solution regarding the pacey striker’s situation.
“I did communicate with Mamelodi Sundowns regarding Tholakele and they did confirm that she is training with them, they also confirmed that they have engaged Malabo team with a view of discussing the settlement and buy her out of contract, I am hopeful that it will materialize,“ Mojaki revealed.
He further added that the local side, Gaborone United, who have attracted several national team players to their side in the just ended transfer window, are also exploring ways to sign Mochawe.
“I have also officially confirmed with Gaborone United that they have engaged Malabo FC to buy Odinga out of contract, so we can only hope that the two teams successfully buy the players out of contract so that they can start playing,” Mojaki added.
Sundowns already has The Mares number 1 goal minder, Sedilame Bosija in their ranks.
BG Sport also has it on good authority that, Double Actions explored the possibilities to sign Tholakele and Malabo FC were asking for at least USD 2,500 which is equivalent to P33 000, however, the transfer window closed before the agreement could be made.