In this week's edition of Soccer Laduma, we caught up with former Roses United captain Mfundo Mkrola to discuss his trials and tribulations over the last year - with the NFD Focus brought to you by Lucky Star.
Mkrola captained the then Bloemfontein-based side into the National First Division back in July 2012, but Roses were about to hit the rocks as Max Tshabalala sold the club to Sinky Mnisi – after which a number of players were released and not paid outstanding salaries.
Asked about how he felt when payment was made by Tshabalala recently, after he regained control of the club, Mkrola said, "I'm thrilled! In life you can't live without money. Whatever I get, I'll have to use wisely. You must remember that in July 2012, I captained Roses when they won promotion from the Vodacom Second Division, but for the past seven months I've had no income."
Looking back at the ownership saga, Mkrola questioned why the Premier Soccer League allowed the situation to happen in the first place.
"Why didn't the PSL ask Tshabalala for proof that he'd paid us all before allowing Mnisi to register? It's sad the way soccer bosses treat us. These guys are all the same. When you sign a contract they smile. They love you when you're on form yet after a while they don't care anymore. They think we're nothing - forget we have families, responsibilities."
Focusing on the future with Sivutsa Stars, where he has reunited with former coach John Tlale, he continued, "I'm happy. It's good to be back with him. I just want to get my fitness levels back, as well as some game time after being out for so long."
Read the full interview with Mkrola in issue 859 of Soccer Laduma - with the NFD Focus brought to you by Lucky Star!
