Another twist in Nyundu saga

Controversial footballer Roggert Nyundu is back with Black Leopards, although he still has the desire to play for Bidvest Wits this season.

The striker, who was on loan at Leopards last term, faces a fresh contract dispute, after it emerged he had signed deals with both Leopards and Wits. Wits recently announced he had penned a pre-contract with the topflight side, but Leopards allegedly secured his signature in February.

Nyundu is hopeful the situation can be resolved swiftly. "Yes, I am back with Black Leopards. I started training with the club last week. I signed with both clubs, but I hope the issue will be resolved soon. My desire is still to play for Wits, but if things don't work out, I am ready to stay with Leopards and give my best for the club as I did last season."

During the past weeks, Bidvest Wits' coach, Mr Gavin Hunt, claimed that they had signed the controversial striker, but Leopards' spokesperson, Mr Berry Ramunenyiwa, said that they had already agreed a pre-contract with Nyundu back in February, adding that they had made Wits aware of the situation. He said that if the coach was satisfied with the player's fitness, he will be available for selection for Saturday's match between Leopards and Milano at the Thohoyandou Stadium.

The South African Football Players Union (Safpu) has lashed out at Black Leopards for allegedly claiming that Roggert Nyundu belongs to the club. The striker has been vocal about his wish to play his football outside of the Limpopo Province after experiencing difficulties in his career at Polokwane and Leopards. "We believe we have a winnable case, but are waiting for a copy of the contract," said Safpu general secretary Thulaganyo Gaoshubelwe.

"You can't work and not have a copy of your basic conditions of employment and without anyone knowing how much you earn. We've written two letters to Polokwane City and made sure the chairman is aware of our efforts to communicate, but we have still not received any response."

Safpu has proposed to the PSL that players should have a minimum wage of R15 000 per month, but this is yet to be formalised. "The reported R5 000 that Nyundu is earning is slave labour," Gaoshubelwe said.

"We feel we are well informed as far as the details of this case are concerned after speaking to the player." Limpopo Mirror couldn't locate Nyundu and his phone was switched off.

News - Date: 20 August 2015

Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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