BB trip in Limbo

Msungama U-turns on funding

Big Bullets’ dream trip to South Africa for a week-long pre-season camp hit a snag yesterday following the club chairperson Kondi Msungama’s dramatic change of heart not to fund the Polokwane foray.

In a twist and turn of sheer comedy, Msungama admitted that he had swallowed his pride after realising that the tour would be a waste of resources considering the team’s current financial position.

“I think it was an oversight to make such a pledge in the first place. You might say I did it out of excitement, but after giving it a considerable amount of thought, I have realised it would be foolish on my part to proceed with the plan.

“The decision might have been made late, but better late than never if it is in the best interest of the team. Of course, some of my fellow executive members are saying we should still proceed with the trip, but I am saying it is not necessary when you consider that we owe players outstanding dues,” Msungama said yesterday.

He also dismissed suggestions that he could not afford to meet the expenses of the trip believed to be in excess of K4.5 million.

“Look here, I have the money and even Black Leopards director [David Thidiela] pledged to host us, but having been approached by my second vice-chairperson Austin Kasito to consider diverting the funds for other purposes that would be more beneficial to the team, I saw some sense.

“I had pledged to fund this trip in the hope that we would clear players’ outstanding dues and [also] have money to buy a few quality players. So, I am saying yes, it might have been an oversight and we now have to correct the situation rather than travel to South Africa and munch sausages, come back and then fail to pay the players,” he said.

Msungama also claimed that he was in South Africa three days ago where he booked a hotel, gym and training ground for the team.

He added that the team’s financial tribulations have been worsened by the failure by organisers of the recent IntoSports Giants Peace Cup to pay them their K3 million first prize.

“I feel we need to build our team and let the dust settle first. We are a team without sponsorship and we need to put the little money we have at present to good use. Mind you, we are also seeking the services of a good coach who needs money as well,” he said.

Msungama has urged the 10 supporters who won the South Africa trip with the team through a raffle draw conducted few days ago to safely keep their tickets because the expedition has not been abandoned.

General secretary Harold Fote said they were caught off guard by their chairperson’s change of heart.

“We were set for the trip because our chairperson had pledged to fund it. In fact, when he was in South Africa, he called me to say he had made all the necessary bookings.

“When the Leopards director [Thidiela] came, he also pledged to assist us, so we had no reason to doubt until yesterday’s meeting.

“It is unfortunate that the trip has been cancelled at the eleventh hour because the challenge now will be how we will communicate to the players and the supporters, but we have another meeting later today [yesterday]. So, let us wait and see what will come out from that meeting,” said Fote.

But supporters secretary Mabvuto Chibambo spoke tough yesterday, saying they would demand an explanation from the executive committee and Msungama, in particular.

“This whole thing is turning out to be a comedy. The crucial part of it all is the timing because, if anything, the decision to cancel the trip should have been made much earlier, so as not to create inconveniences,” said Chibambo.

According to Msungama, the two South African clubs they were expected to play promised to maintain their offer of paying for Bullets’ external travel and accommodation amounting to about K2.3 million whenever Bullets are ready to travel.