Players from relegated Motsepe Foundation Championship side Baroka FC refused to train on Tuesday morning in protest of unpaid salaries.
FARPost has gathered that the players were scheduled to have their training session at 10:00 AM in Seleteng, Ga-Mphahlele in Limpopo. However, the players refused to train due to their delayed April salary payments.
Baroka were recently relegated to the SAFA ABC Motsepe League after a poor season in which they have won just four matches in 29 matches. The club has also not won a single match in their last 11 outings in the second-tier league.
This publication has further established that the players have threatened to boycott their last match of the season against Upington City FC in Lebowakgomo on Sunday, if they do not receive their salaries.
BAROKA FC PLAYERS THREATEN TO BOYCOTT THEIR LAST LEAGUE MATCH OF THE SEASON
But club chairman Khurishi Mphahlele has sent a strong warning to the players stating that he would take serious action if they continue with what he says it’s an ‘illegal’ strike.
“Yes they didn’t train yesterday [Tuesday]. They said they had some issues, conditions of employment. I don’t know what condition of employment they are talking about,” Mphahlele told FARPost.
“But I have sent them a warning letter informing them that what they are doing is an illegal strike and if they continue and not report to work today [Wednesday], we will take another decision.”
KHURISHI MPHAHLELE RESPOND TO BOYCOTT THREATS FOLLOWING SALARY STRIKE
Regarding the threats of boycott for their last match, Mphahlele says he is not shaken by the threats.
“But even if they play the match will they win? They lost nine games in a row. That would be the 10th one, will they win? We are just going to honour the match. So their mind is no longer with us.
“Obviously there must be an instigator. Everything has to have an instigator. They can’t all of a sudden start and say we have a problem. I am in my office all the time, why can’t they come to my office so that we can address their problems. They don’t even invite me to talk about this, then how will it be solved if I am not involved?”.
RELATED STORY: Baroka FC relegated to ABC Motsepe League