Chippa Legodimo
5 November 2009
National champions, Gaborone United (GU) have refused to hand over the registration book of Powell Abednico to Extension Gunners saying that they have not been informed about the ownership of the player.
The ownership of the player has been in dispute after GU tried unsuccessfully to recruit from Gunners. The matter reached the Players' Status Committee (PSC), which ruled that the midfielder belongs to Gunners. However, GU have declined to hand over his registration book back to Gunners saying they have not been officially informed of the PSC decision. GU secretary, Kagiso Sebele, said they are waiting for formal communication from the PSC regarding the status of Abednico. "We have only been told that the ruling was made last Friday and we do not know what it says.
"It is unfortunate that someone told the media prematurely that the committee had ruled in favour of Gunners. Gunners wanted to use the player against Mochudi Centre Chiefs, but we could not give them the registration book because a decision had not been made then," Sebele said.
The latest twist in the case means that the player remains on the sidelines and has not featured for the Lobatse side in the current league campaign. GU are reportedly demanding the money they paid Gunners to get the player. There are unconfirmed reports that negotiations between the two clubs are delaying the return of Abednico's registration book. Gunners' spokesperson, Kitso Dlamini denied reports that they received P30, 000 from GU for Abednico, apparently without the player's knowledge or consent.
Dlamini could not confirm if two clubs are locked in negotiations over the player.
Although he said Gunners had received money for the player, Sebele refused to disclose the amount. "We are waiting for a written document concerning the ownership of the player and then we would sit down with Gunners and see what to do because we had already paid for the player," he explained.
Meanwhile, Abednico said the saga is frustrating him as he was never consulted about the transfer. "I thought after the Players. Status Committee ruled that I belong to Gunners, I would be able to play, but I am still in the cold not knowing what tomorrow holds for me. I train hard every day, but come weekend, I am told to stay behind. I want to play, not to sit on the stands and someone has to come forward and explain to me what is happening," Abednico said.
He is not happy that only coach Daniel Nare seems to care about his fate and that no one in the management committee has contacted him on the issue.
"I only hear from people that Gunners had taken some money from GU. Some say it was P20,000, while others are saying it was P30,000. Many people did not believe me when I said I never wanted to join GU. They just thought I was reneging but what is happening now is clear testimony that I was never consulted about the deal between the two clubs," Abednico said. He said he has decided to remain silent for fear of being victimised.
Gunners continue to pay the former ECCO City Greens' star a salary, but the player is not amused by the state of affairs. "Yes they pay my salary, but what I want is to play competitive football, not only to train. I want to market myself as a player to other clubs who might be interested in getting me after my contract expires. The worst thing is that I do not know when this is going to end," Abednico said.
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