Dirty tricks being used for Tsholotsho FC franchise

SOME unscrupulous bidders are  allegedly using dirty tricks to get Tsholotsho Football Club sell its franchise by clandestinely approaching players and telling them to demand outrageous signing on fees.

The move is meant to force the club to eventually abandon its franchise due to  high operational costs.

However, the club has said all its players have running contracts.

A source at the club said some of their players have been approached by certain individuals who are telling them to demand more money as signing on fees for the new season.

"It's unfortunate really that some people can stoop so low simply because we're Tsholotsho. What is good though is that most of our boys are so eager to play in the Premiership in Tsholotsho colours," said the source.

Club chairman Mlamuli Phiri said they will not have sleepless nights over player contracts at the moment.

"All our players are still contracted to us so those people could just be wasting   their precious time. If any of our players want to leave they are free to do so but that will be after we have cleared them," said Phiri.

He reiterated that the club was not up for sale.

There have been reports that Yaddah Gunners, funded by Prophet Walter Magaya, offered the club $130,000 but Mandla Manyathela, the club president is said to have asked for a minimum of $250,000.

A former manager with several   Harare clubs is said to have been the go-between.

"People will continue to speculate   but at the end of the day, they will  see us playing in the PSL next year," said Phiri.

Meanwhile, Tsholotsho have revealed that their stadium will not be ready for use next year and were now considering going to Hwange or Bulawayo.

"I think its becoming clear that our stadium might not be ready by  March next year so we're busy with consultations on whether we should   come to Bulawayo or go to Hwange  where we also enjoyed a lot of support," said Phiri.

He, however, said Bulawayo was the  likely destination as their supporters  would also find it easier to travel for the games.

The club starts its pre-season preparations in Tsholotsho on January 6.