Zackhem may quit GU
Sport
Business construction magnate Nicholas Zackhem is on the verge of dumping troubled Gaborone United or GU to newly invented Gilport Lions-a club he has courted for some months.
There is a reported fall-out at the heart of GU committee where executive members have given up on the intentions of the touted multi-millionaire.
In fact, reports say GU is on the brink of calling a general membership meeting to oust Zackhem before he resigns from the club. The mooted move is meant to prepare the club to over ride financial claims the owner of Zac construction might put on their shoulders.
It is widely reported that since 11 July of last year when the team traversed election route, Zackhem’s hands were smeared with blood. After the elections, irreconcilable differences between him and the committee grew ever more precarious.
Reports mention that he is on his way to Gilport Lions where he is reported to own a 90% stake in the club. But when reached for comment, Zackhem admits a rift tearing him away from GU but would not confirm or deny rumours that link him to Lions. ‘‘Yes it is true there is a problem between me and GU family but I do not want to believe that this is the right time to admit that I will be leaving,’’ he said.
This publication is further informed that the two centers of power which have been in disagreement regarding the standing of Zackhem have smoked a peace pipe and are now working together and ready to do the unthinkable – push Zackhem out of GU ship.
The latest indication that almost confirmed Zackhem’s looming departure is the manner in which the business mogul allowed Ofentse Nato join rivals, Township Rollers. It is believed he deliberately had a hand in ensuring that the Mogobane born player betrays GU to join the high riding Township Rollers.
GU’s downward route took shape before and after elections that ushered in a new committee last year. Information presented to Weekendsport painted a picture of a team battling internal demons behind the fascia, and indeed confirming that not all that glitters is gold.
According to insiders, raging fires within the Old Naledi team started at the team’s AGM where the committee elections were surrounded by a lot of “irregularities”. The concerned fans accused Zackhem of “being big headed and bigger than the team”. Something that Zackhem rubbishes.
The supporters, who are believed to sympathizers to the members of the former executive committee which was white washed at July elections, were reportedly contemplating a court move to seek assistance on how to best run the team – a proposition that left Zackhem livid.
Among some issues which the society was bitterly complaining of were accusations that Soccer Dynamics – a company directed by Zackhem had taken control for all the transactions of the club.
The concerned party argued that the society must have an input on the affairs of the club as they also inject money in the team after acquiring the lucrative Mutual and Federal sponsorship, sell team merchandise and also make revenue through gate-takings and as a result they shouldn’t be rendered useless.
However Gilport Lions, officials dismissed allegations that he has a stake in their club. The club recently unveiled a P6 million sponsorship deal.
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