South African Defender Thabiso Mokenkoane Wins FIFA Contract Dispute Against Township Rollers

South African footballer Thabiso Mokenkoane has secured a crucial victory in a contract dispute case against Botswana Premier League giants Township Rollers. The case, which required the intervention of FIFA, marks a significant moment for the 33-year-old defender and highlights ongoing issues of contract enforcement in African football.

Mokenkoane, known for his time with Eswatini side Mbabane Highlanders and South Africa’s African Warriors in the lower divisions, found himself in a prolonged battle after Township Rollers failed to honor the terms of his contract. The club initially signed him but later terminated the agreement prematurely, leaving him without the salary he was promised.

Taelo Motloung, the secretary of the Football Union of South Africa (FUSA), played a key role in escalating the matter to FIFA after repeated attempts to resolve the issue locally fell on deaf ears.

“Township Rollers have been found guilty by FIFA for failing to honour their contract with the player after FUSA escalated the matter to FIFA,” Motloung confirmed.

He further explained that FUSA had engaged the club multiple times, urging them to fulfill their contractual obligations. However, Rollers remained uncooperative, prompting the union to seek assistance from the world football governing body.

“The club had him sign a contract, which they later terminated. This constitutes unfair termination and unpaid salaries,” Motloung added.

FIFA has now ordered Township Rollers to pay Mokenkoane an amount of R98,000 within 45 days. Should the club fail to comply, they risk facing a transfer ban that would prevent them from signing new players until the debt is settled.

Motloung stressed that this case is part of a broader pattern of contractual disputes involving African clubs, which FUSA has consistently tackled through FIFA’s dispute resolution channels.

“This ruling from FIFA is one of many cases we’ve taken to them and successfully won,” he noted.

Mokenkoane’s victory is being hailed as a reminder to clubs across the continent to uphold professional standards and respect players’ rights.