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Noel Munzabwa, Sport reporter
FORMER Bantu Rovers midfielder Simon Njeleza must be devastated after MTN Premier League of Swaziland outfit Green Mamba on Thursday decided against registering him just after receiving his clearance letter from Talen Vision.

The joy that had greeted the arrival of his clearance would be cut short 18 hours after kit manager only identified as Smiso was sent with 1 000 Emalangeni (R1 000) which was said to be his one way bus fare back to Bulawayo with little explanation.

Coincidentally, the player had offered the same amount worth of soccer balls to compensate Talen Vision with whom he had a gentlemen’s agreement to play for them without a contract.

Njeleza confirmed the development and expressed concern that he risked being sidelined from playing football until next March since the second transfer window period in Zimbabwe closed in July.

“The kit manager Smiso came with money which was said to be my fare back home with no return fare. When I sought clarification I was told directors had opted against my registration.

“To me there seems to be an untold story considering we had finally received the clearance.

“This will go down as a wasted month for me and my biggest fear now is I might not be able to play football until next year which will affect me. Only God knows why,” said Njeleza.

Zimbabwe-born Green Mamba coach Hebert Maruwa described the development as a blow to his squad.

“It’s a big blow. Simon had impressed me with his play and I had hoped to pin the team around him and Blessing Sande,” said Maruwa.

Contacted for comment, Talen Vision team manager, Juma Phiri whose office had issued the clearance said they would help the player recover from the setback.

“It’s devastating for him and personally and as a club will help him out of this setback. We will be guided by Zifa to see whether he is still eligible to play for us or not,” said Phiri.

The haggling over the player started early last week when Green Mamba requested for a clearance to which Talen Vision demanded to be compensated with 10 soccer balls before issuance of the clearance.

Green Mamba had prayed for immediate availability to enable Njeleza play in the Castle Premier Challenge Cup quarter final match which they lost 2-3 to Young Buffaloes.

It had to take the intervention of Football Union of Zimbabwe’s Hebert Dick and an unnamed Swaziland based Zimbabwean who provided themselves as collateral for the clearance to be issued.