Players of Real Tamale United (RTU) have continued their boycott of training for a second day running. While details for their actions remains undisclosed, sources within the team indicate that the players’ action is as a result of unpaid bonuses for at least their last three wins.
The team is currently engaged in a relegation battle to maintain their premiership status and recorded wins against Berekum Chelsea, Asante Kotoko and Accra Lions. They also drew 1-1 with Elmina Sharks and 2-2 against Dreams FC in their current run of positive results to ensure they survive.
However, as the support base were hoping for that to continue when the team returns home next week to host Bechem United in Tamale next Wednesday, the players have decided to boycott training from Thursday morning.
The training which was supposed to have been held on Thursday didn’t take place as Coach Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko reported to the training grounds to meet no player. He subsequently called a few of the players and was told they have decided to stay away until their outstanding bonuses are paid.
Coach Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko returned to the training venue again on Friday morning and still no player turned up.
In a chat with Mohammed Mutaka on Diamond FM’s Yelivuhi Saha Sports discussion programme on Thursday morning, Coach Tanko confirmed that he actually didn’t see any player at the training venue when he got there and waited to no avail.
Diamond FM Sports checks revealed that there will be an emergency board meeting on Friday evening to discuss the matter and take mitigation measures.
Real Tamale United currently lie 14th on the Ghana Premier League table with 33points, just 2 above the relegation zone after 28matches. With six matches to the end of the season focus and consistency of results is needed to ensure the team’s safety. But the current happenings especially with the players staying away from training will not help their course.
