BOLLOCKZ! Lehlohonolo Majoro |
That, in a nutshell, was the grim story of Kaizer Chiefs
striker Lehlohonolo Majoro – and all because the 27-year-old Bafana Bafana striker
had taken his career into his own hands, opting to join Soweto rivals Orlando
Pirates rather than SuperSport United in a swap deal as his agent had agreed
(or Mpumalanga Black Aces on a loan deal).
But then along came freedom and justice… in the form of
South African Football Players’ Union president Hareaipha “Simba” Marumo and
his all-conquering Disputes Resolution Chamber.
Marumo, speaking on my football show BOLLOCKZ! on www.ballz.co.za (see video below), made it very clear exactly
why Lehlohonolo Majoro IS permitted to
restart his career WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
Despite reports from some quarters –
including the respected Mark Gleeson in the Sowetan newspaper – claiming Majoro
would not be able to play for the rest of the season as he departed the
AmaKhosi “by mutual agreement”, Marumo insisted: “Lehlohonolo is now able to
join the club of his choice. He had a couple of problems with Kaizer Chiefs unfortunately.
They forced him to train on his own and suspended him without pay.
“We represented Majoro as a member of SAFPU. Rule 28.4 is
quite clear, if the Dispute Resolution Committee Rule 28.4 is quite clear, if
the DRC makes a ruling on breach of contract, that player is a free agent.
“The Sowetan article talked about a player who came to a
mutual agreement, outside the DRC. That player would not have the right to play
for another club until the next transfer window or until his contract finished.
“In this particular case, a player can only be suspended
with full salary if there has been a disciplinary hearing. Majoro’s case was a
clear breach of contract.”
When I put it to him that South Africa football agents and
club treat fans and some players like idiots Marumo added: “Thanks for raising
that. There was NO AMICABLE AGREEMENT with Kaizer Chiefs. SAFPU believes clubs
cannot treat players like this.
“There’s a
disappointing culture in this country where players are treated as second class
citizens. If a player has to train alone, his security is compromised. Anybody
could have gone to Klipspruit and hurt Majoro.
“We want to encourage and call on the football clubs in the
country to move away from this kind of treatment of the players. These are
people who make football what it is. They must be treated with the respect they
deserve, we have the responsibility to build this country, our kids look up to
footballers.
“How we run the game is CRUCIAL to the future generation,
they shape their thinking with heroes. We cannot just talk about being
profitable, the legacy of the game rests in the dignity of the players. Nobody
sees the wallet, they see the footballers.
“Players have to treat themselves as brands who can make a
difference in South Africa. Then we can build a football culture we can be
proud of.”
When I asked Marumo if the agent has the right to dictate
where a player goes, Simba – himself a former African Champions League finalist
with Mamelodi Sundowns – said: “Absolutely right Neal, the player employs the
agent. He pays the agent. Some agents have issues with me. I’ve parted ways
with agents in the past.
“The agent is my employee, on my pay roll. That’s the only
way it can work properly. For young professionals out there: The agent works
for the player, not the other way around.
“If a player feels his career will flourish at a club
different to the one his player wants to go to, it’s his decision. It’s
important the player makes the decision which will benefit his very short
career.”
Marumo, a popular analyst who will be working for SuperSport
at Ajax Cape Town this weekend, concluded: “Thanks for the opportunity to raise
these issues. We are there for ANY player who comes for us.”
Today Dr Khoza offered this advice to his new striker on the Orlando Pirates official website: “I hope everything goes well for you here at the club. Do not try to go out to prove a point or be angry with people. Anger takes us nowhere.
Today Dr Khoza offered this advice to his new striker on the Orlando Pirates official website: “I hope everything goes well for you here at the club. Do not try to go out to prove a point or be angry with people. Anger takes us nowhere.
“The late President Nelson Mandela taught us a great lesson.
He never got angry despite everything he had to go through in his life. We
cannot waste energy by getting angry and cause problems; instead, that same
energy should be channelled into making peace.
“Angry people lose a lot in this life,” Dr Khoza continued.
“This should be a new beginning for you and hope you make the most of this
opportunity you have here at the club.”
Majoro responded: “I just had my first training session with the guys and it
feels like home. I am thankful to the Chairman for giving me the opportunity to
join Orlando Pirates. His words of encouragement are priceless. I will work
hard to repay the faith everyone here has shown in me."
BOLLOCKZ! my innovative football show on www.ballz.co.za airs every Thursday from 9am-11am. See Ballz' channel for our growing library of fascinating football interviews with the big names.
You can also follow me on www.twitter.com/nealcol for all the latest sports news… and read my “Neal & Pray” column every Tuesday in www.thenewage.co.za.
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