Masters, Sebego rift deepens
Mqondisi Dube | Friday August 1, 2014 13:26
Reports say tempers flared after Sebego told the Englishman to resign or he will be sacked.
The two denied reports of a rift last week, but sources at Lekidi Centre confirmed the relationship is deteriorating fast.
At the Monday meeting, Sebego reportedly asked the under fire Masters to resign or else he will dismiss him.
Masters flatly refused to resign which led to a heated argument laced with expletives.
The CEO was depressed after the incident.
Those who saw him leave the meeting say he looked defeated and jaded.
The bone of contention has reportedly been Masters’ perceived poor performance since a much-hyped arrival from the UK last February.
On Monday the two quarreled over the troubles that surrounded the Zebras’ trip to Guinea Bissau for the return leg of the 2015 AFCON qualifier and the recent visit by British side, Bristol City.
The BFA battled to get funds for the Zebras trip to Bissau, while the association was put on the spot after it failed to follow up a promise by Bristol to take care of all expenses after a game against the national team last Thursday.
To avert a crisis, BFA officials stepped in to assure players the Bristol matter will be sorted out soon. Accusing fingers pointed in Masters’ direction leading to the showdown with his boss on Monday.
Masters confirmed to Mmegi Sport that Monday was a difficult day, but refused to discuss the fall-out.
Mmegi Sport: Are you enjoying your work at the moment?
Masters: Yes, I am...
Mmegi Sport: I understand there was a tense meeting between you and the president on Monday?
Masters: Well, it was a little bit flawed because of the national team finances, we have managed to resolve the issue. That is all I want to say.
Mmegi Sport: But why would a meeting to discuss finances become heated?
Masters: I have said all I wanted to say regarding this issue..
Mmegi Sport: You are said to have been so depressed after the meeting?
Masters: That is rubbish. That is ridiculous. I don’t want to say anymore on this subject. It was a difficult day and it was going to be tense.
I am a human being and at times things get on top of you… In every little organisation, there are ups and downs.
Monday was a difficult day, but thankfully, we managed to resolve issues and as far as I am concerned, everyone is happy again and the team is on its way (to Guinea Bissau).
When contacted, Sebego’s response was brief.
Mmegi Sport: Reports are that you had a heated meeting on Monday where you told Masters to resign?
Sebego: Me and the CEO have just been given a mandate by the general assembly to deliver for the next year. We are together.