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Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) risk the wrath of Fifa following a complaint lodged by former coach Vladislav Heric with the world football governing body in July.
City Press can reveal that the Serb is demanding more than R6 million from the Limpopo club after he was unceremoniously dumped while they were still campaigning in the NFD last season.
In his letter to Fifa, Heric claimed that TTM had failed to pay his outstanding salary and allowances.
“As a direct consequence of the respondent’s reputation and/or termination of the agreement, the applicant has suffered damages in the amount of R6.180 million being the remaining value of the agreement which would be due to the applicant up to and including the final date of the agreement [June 30 2022, if he opted to extend by two years],” read the letter to Fifa dated July 20, which City Press has seen.
Heric, who now coaches Cape Town Spurs, claims he was promised a R20 000 relocation allowance, R5 000 car allowance, R2 500 win bonus, 10% gross of any prize money for a cup win, R150 000 should the club qualify for the play-offs and R850 000 for promotion to the Premiership.
Fifa requested TTM to provide their side of the story, as well as any documentary evidence, by no later than August 13.
Fifa deadline missed
“… if no statement or reply is received before this time limit expires, a decision shall be taken on the basis of the documents already on file,” read Fifa’s letter, dated July 24.
The matter was scheduled to be submitted to the players’ status committee in late September. City Press understands that TTM failed to meet the Fifa deadline and that this could lead to a sanction. Yesterday, TTM CEO Sello Chokoe said Heric’s issue was a closed chapter.
“We suspended him for poor performance and he decided to take us to his lawyers. When we were in the bio-bubble we reached an agreement with his lawyers and paid him through his lawyer’s account,” he said.
Heric had not responded to City Press’ request for comment by the time of going to print.
TTM also have an outstanding matter with defender Buhle Mkhwanazi, who has not joined the club since it bought the Premiership status of Bidvest Wits in June. The Bafana Bafana defender is reportedly demanding about R5 million – in salary and a signing-on fee.
On Mkhwanazi, Chokoe said the ball was in the player’s court regarding his future with the club.
Mkhwanazi stalemate
“When we took over the club, we addressed all the players and told those who didn’t want to relocate to come and get their clearances.
“Some have already done so, but Buhle has kept quiet. We don’t know what his plan is because he decided to stay at home. So we also folded our arms because we can’t force players to relocate or play for us against their will.”
The SA Football Players Union (Safpu) said it was aware of both matters and was attending to them.
“As far as the Heric matter is concerned, it is now in the hands of Fifa and we can’t do anything about it until Fifa makes a ruling. As for Buhle, we are in constant discussion with him so we can pave a way forward,” said Safpu’s Tebogo Monyai.
Oupa Manyisa and Joseph Molangoane have also taken the club to the league’s dispute resolution chamber after their contracts were terminated.
In June, TTM was forced to pay a settlement to Malawi international Atusaye Nyondo to avoid a Fifa sanction.
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