Matombo to remain at Chiefs?

Cape Town - Bloemfontein Celtic is insisting that they will put Chris Matombo’s proposed loan spell from Kaizer Chiefs on hold until the dispute over the Camaldine Abraw transfer has been solved.

Bobby Motaung yesterday announced that the youngster will be sent to Celtic on a season-long loan that will help him get the needed experience to grow.

However, a source at Bloemfontein Celtic told Sport24 that the youngster’s move to the Free State-based side has been put on hold until the Abraw saga has been solved.

Abraw was yesterday unveiled as a Chiefs player, but the Celtic chairman has reiterated that he signed the Togolese striker in a three-year pre-contract and states that his team has a case in the matter.

“Well, I can tell you that the youngster is not coming to Bloemfontein until the Abraw issue has been solved,” the source said.

Initially Celtic wanted Lucky Baloyi but talks between the two teams hit the rocks which saw the midfielder being unveiled among Chiefs new players following a loan spell at Moroka Swallows.

Celtic chairman, Max Tshabalala, has since released a statement regarding the unveiling of Abraw as a Chiefs player.

“Perhaps Abraw’s story was misconstrued and blown out of proportion with a certain quarter of media thinking that we are fighting against someone," said the chairman.

"The reality is that the striker voluntarily joined us on a three year deal which was signed at our offices.

“He never made mention of any one year extension option signed with his former team.

"We acted within the parameters of the Fifa rules, that of negotiating with a player in the last six months of his contract before it lapses.

"Abraw made it distinctively clear that he will be a free agent by the end of the season.

“Upon hearing that the player has signed with Kaizer Chiefs recently, we then took it upon ourselves to discuss the matter with the club’s representatives in an effort to solve the matter amicably.

"It is absolutely imperative for us to continue with good relationship with other teams but again players must be educated not to create a struggle between clubs by trying to bargain. We are a professional team and will unreservedly try to solve the matter for the benefit of all parties concerned.”

“Even though we are not happy to see Chiefs unveil him while negotiations are ongoing, we will however remain humble and continue working towards closing this chapter in a professional manner,” concluded Celtic chairman.