Maponda has been caught in contract dispute with both Matebele and and GU claiming nhe belongs to them. GU announced the signing of the speedy forward on July 1 before Matebele issued a counter statement saying Maponda is to remain with the club in the next season and season more. Kuka Ntsu have relentlessly said the player has a penned a two-year contract extension in February and it was to come in effect on June 1 upon the conclusion of the then existing contract. GU had also announced that the player had signed a pre-contract with them. Maponda featured in GU's Moyagoleele Pre-Season Tournament played early last month.
The tournament featured South African side, SuperSport United and African Stars of Namibia with GU's head coach, Pontsho Moloi confirming to this publication that Maponda joined his side for pre-season and expected to feature for GU next season depending on the outcome of the matter. The forward was recently seen at The Nest when Matebele FC returned for pre-season training as the club remains confident that they would keep one of their prized assets. The BFA yesterday told Matebele to release Maponda within 48 hours, that being tomorrow (Wednesday). In the letter, the BFA acknowledges that Maponda had in February extended his contract with Matebele until June 2026.
BFA further acknowledges that Maponda agreed a three-year deal with the Reds and had since trained and received sum P50,000 and monthly salaries from July paid by GU. “Based on all the foregoing, we reiterate with this missive that Thabo Maponda is a Gaborone United FC and Gaborone United must be afforded the rights to register the player. Mr Thabo Maponda must report Gaborone United FC within twenty-four (24) hours from the date of this correspondence to facilitate his registration with the team,” the letter from BFA reads. This is a second directive from BFA after the first on August 5 but Matebele remain resolute. Sport Monitor has been informed that Matebele is to report the issue to the Players' Status Committee.
