FUB warns players on contractual breaches
Footballers Union of Botswana (FUB) has advised players to maintain professional conduct and seek guidance where necessary relating to their contractual interest, ahead of the official opening of the transfer window period by the Botswana Football Association (BFA).
Earlier this week, Gaborone United took to their official social media platform, Facebook, and announced that they have captured the highly rated Matebele FC striker, Thabo Maponda on a pre-contract ahead of the upcoming football season.
“Gaborone United is pleased to announce that we have signed a pre-contract agreement with Thabo Maponda, a talented and highly sought after attacker who will be joining us for the upcoming season,” part of Gaborone United’s statement read.
The statement was however, a few hours later, rebutted by another communication from Matebele FC who accused 'the other club' of bullying while maintaining that the player is still very much contracted to the club.
“Matebele FC will like to reassure our stakeholders and well-wishers that Thabo Maponda is our player until 2026 as per contract. The other club is using unethical, bullying and intimidation tactics to try and swindle our club,” part of Matebele statement reads.
This is akin to last season instances involving Orapa United striker Eric Ookame, who joined from Eleven Angels and Karabo Ramakgathi who signed for Sua Flamengos from Matebele FC, FUB officials are concerned that the trend could go on a rise in the coming season.
Former Township Rollers goal poacher and the current FUB President, Onalethata Tshekiso told BG Sport that more is needed to educate players on contractual matters and further warned players against getting into multiple contractual agreements with clubs as that could result in severe consequences.
“We are getting into the ‘crazy football season’. This is a period that exposes the need for more education; whatever that has been done before, appears not enough. Players are still lacking behind and are easily misguided and fall into traps which lands them into contractual disputes,” Tshekiso highlighted.
He advised players to seek advice from legal experts whenever an issue concerning a contract is involved.
FUB, who represents the interest of local players have also left their doors open to assist and guide players during this period and enable them a smooth resolutions concerning their various contract situations.
“During this time, players must seek advice, it is not a shame to ask for help and it is not out of the ordinary for many teams to show interest on the services of a player—whether out of contract or still contracted. Once a player signs two contracts, that is illegal, it is against the law. We try to engage with the players through our various platforms, including engaging with the players’ representatives to disseminate messages.
This is the time players should trust FUB, we represent their interest, despite all that happened; the same issues will keep on happening. Football stakeholders must unite as one and spread the message, footballers must practice restraint, be calm and not be forced to wilt onto any contact proposals,” Tshekiso said.
While the BFA National Dispute Resolution Committee (NDRC) chamber is expected to become more active during the upcoming transfer period, if players and clubs do not exercise a cautious approach to their recruitment strategies, the FIFA Connect, an online players’ registration platform is projected to provide the guidance with contractual details easily accessible.