Gallants Chairman On Chivaviro Transfer Saga & Squad Exodus

Marumo Gallants Chairman Abram Sello has set the record straight on the Ranga Chivaviro transfer saga and opened up on their squad exodus with Lesiba Nku and Katlego Otladisa joining Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates respectively.

Chivaviro joined Chiefs in a deal said to be in excess of R5-million from Gallants, this after he penned a pre-contract with Richards Bay, which Gallants deemed null and void.

The long drawn-out saga also saw interest arise from Young Africans SC, Orlando Pirates and a Saudi Yelo League side but the player was clear that his intentions to join Amakhosi, before signing his three-year deal.

Richards Bay Chairman Jomo Biyela, however, contested the move and stated he was due a transfer fee and it’s believed the matter was settled before he made his move official to the Soweto giants.

“Chivaviro was our player, he had a one-year renewable contract, with an irrevocable clause and when he had to leave he had to come and ask [for a transfer] from the mother club,” Sello told iDiski Times.

“Despite any other marketing [in the media], he was our player and the people who wanted to buy him, had to come to us, that was Chiefs. We did all the paperwork and everything was fine.

“Anything beyond that I don’t want to talk on behalf of anybody or anyone’s mistake or advances, I didn’t know of that as Marumo Gallants, but the transfer went through, he’s playing with Chiefs now and we’re happy for him.”

Gallants not only cashed in on their top goalscorer who netted 17 goals last season but also Otladisa, Nku and Ismeal Toure to Stellenbosch, while a host of players left upon the expiry of their contracts and found new clubs.

“It’s somehow helpful, it’s not much but you must remember those were top-flight players,” Sello added when asked about the transfer funds accrued.

“They worked hard throughout the season and the CAF [Confederation Cup] competition and I couldn’t be selfish to try and keep them, some of their contracts ended like Celimpilo Ngema, I couldn’t do much, some of them had one-year deals.

“Some they had contracts but I said let me release them and help their careers and then sign [new players] so we can compete to get back [into the DStv Premiership.]”