Premier League champions Lioli are currently embroiled in a financial dispute with their player Khotso Mohloki over unpaid bonuses. Mohloki claims the club owes him M5 500 and is also withholding his clearance. Additionally, two other players are reportedly in similar situations, though they did not speak with thepost.
This content is for subscribers only. To subscribe, Click Here. Or Sign In
Mohloki said his contract with Lioli expired at the end of last season, allowing him to negotiate with other teams. After Lioli won the league, businessman Lebona Lephema, along with others, pledged over M150 000 in bonuses for the players. Each player was to receive a M10 000 bonus, but Mohloki was only given M4 500 and was told the remaining M5 500 would be paid after he signed a new contract.
However, Mohloki decided not to sign a new contract and seek new opportunities elsewhere.
“Everyone got their bonuses. I didn’t get mine in full, and when I asked, I was told to sign a new contract and I would get the balance. I didn’t sign a new contract, and they are not giving me my money,” Mohloki said.
“I have not decided what I am going to do if they do not pay; I am still exploring what my options are.”
Lioli’s spokesperson, Kananelo Ramokoatsi, acknowledged the debt but stated that Mohloki would only be paid after returning the club’s equipment.
Ramokoatsi claimed that the player still had keys to a club-provided house which Mohloki denied stating he had informed general manager Lekhooa Thabaneng via WhatsApp that he does not have any, but he received no response.
When asked on Monday if the player had been paid, Ramokoatsi requested time to confirm with his manager but did not return the call.
Yesterday Ramokoatsi said “his boss” was out of the country, leaving no new comment.
This dispute is not an isolated incident for Lioli. The club is at risk of a ban from football’s world governing body, FIFA, if they fail to comply with an order to pay former player Emmanuel Taylor over M62 000 for breach of contract without cause.
The ruling, issued last week, gives Lioli 45 days to comply. Taylor’s contract was terminated by Lioli in January after only six months at the club, prompting him to seek compensation through FIFA, which ruled in his favour.
Three years ago, another player, Thato Sefoli, took Lioli to FIFA over a contractual disagreement, demanding salary payments from September 2020 to March 2021. FIFA ruled in Sefoli’s favour, ordering Lioli to pay M73 000.
These financial disputes highlight ongoing issues within Lioli, raising concerns about the club’s management and contractual agreements with its players.
Tlalane Phahla
Comments
Khairun Nisa
Financial disagreements can affect team morale and performance, so it’s crucial for both parties to find a fair resolution. This situation highlights the need for solid financial planning and mutual respect to ensure players feel valued and motivated. Hoping for an outcome that supports the growth and harmony of the team! Visit us Telkom University Jakarta