Siyabulela Songwiqi unsure of Bay United future
Songwiqi, Bay players wait for clarity
Posted: 2010-07-23 20:11
Former Bay United midfielder Siyabulela Songwiqi, currently on trial at Kaizer Chiefs, is one of many Umlilo players still waiting to hear their fate.
“I have seen in newspapers that the club is now under new owners, but I have heard nothing officially. I am concerned because the club still owes me money. I was paid half my salary in February and Bay management said that was last we were going to get.”
KickOff.com has attempted to get clarity on the future of cash-strapped Bay and their players.
Chief Zibuse Mlaba, owner of African Wanderers who ply their trade in the KwaZulu-Natal Vodacom League, told KickOff.com this morning that Umlilo chairman Sipho Pityana had accepted his offer of R5-million for the Port Elizabeth-based outfit.
Mlaba, brother of Durban mayor Amos Mlaba, said that he had already provided guarantees for that amount, but had not parted with any cash because he has yet to get approval from the League for the deal.
Mlaba said he was buying the club status and nine contracted players. He was unable to say whether Songwiqi was one of these, or whether the player’s contract had elapsed at the end of June.
He said nothing had been discussed with Bay regarding the R1.3-million the club owed to 10 players retrenched after they were relegated. This came about after a Dispute Resolution Chamber heard.
Mlaba added that Pityana had said that he would ‘sort out’ the outstanding salaries of some of the current crop of players, but like Songwiqi, many are still in the dark regarding their contracts as well.
Safpu official Cappy Matutoane, who has been helping another potential buyer for Umlilo, relegated Winners’ Park, in their bid to buy Umlilo, told KickOff.com this morning that he would make contact with Mlaba in an effort make to facilitate their deal. He said he was doing this to protect players, some of whom have already lodged their claims with the union.
“Players need to know where they stand, whether they have to look for new clubs and about the money owed to them, so things must move otherwise there will be chaos when and if the First Division season opens.”
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