Former Orlando Pirates favourite Thabo Rakhale threatens FIFA action against Township Rollers

Former Orlando Pirates fan-favourite Thabo Rakhale is preparing to report Township Rollers FC to FIFA over unpaid wages and signing-on fees, according to his representatives.

The 36-year-old South African is currently back home recovering from an injury after his relationship with the Botswana Premier League club deteriorated. His contract with Township Rollers was due to run until 31 May 2026.

Rakhale moved to Botswana in an attempt to revive his career, but questions were raised about his contract before he was ruled out for an extended period by a torn Achilles tendon that required surgery.

The Football Union of South Africa (FUSA) is handling the dispute on Rakhale’s behalf. Its secretary general, Taelo Motloung, said the organisation had already sent a formal letter of demand to Township Rollers.

“I’m running with the matter of Thabo Rakhale against Township Rollers due to unpaid salaries and unpaid signing-on fees,” Motloung told KickOff.

“He also got injured, and they didn’t bother to take him to the hospital. The club never attended to his injury even though they were advised to do so by the hospital.

“On Wednesday, we sent a letter of demand to the club, giving them 10 days to resolve the issue.

“If they fail, we will be taking the matter to FIFA,” he added.

The dispute therefore centres on both Rakhale’s outstanding salary payments and the signing-on fees he was allegedly owed. FUSA has given Township Rollers 10 days to settle the matter before pursuing a formal complaint with FIFA.

Rakhale’s injury has added to the uncertainty surrounding his time at the Botswana club. After requiring surgery for the Achilles problem, he returned to South Africa to continue his recovery.

Township Rollers are already subject to a FIFA transfer ban lasting up to three consecutive registration periods. That punishment was imposed in connection with a separate case involving another South African player, Thabiso Mokenkoane.

“Mokenkoane is a South African, he is a boy from Free State, and he also played for AmaTuks,” added Motloung.

Mokenkoane’s case means the Botswana club is already facing restrictions on player registrations while the disagreement with Rakhale remains unresolved.

Rakhale became a popular figure during his time with Orlando Pirates before moving abroad to continue his playing career. His move to Township Rollers was intended to provide an opportunity to rebuild his career, but his contract situation, injury and alleged unpaid amounts have now resulted in FUSA threatening to take the matter to football’s world governing body.

The club has been given until the end of the 10-day period specified in FUSA’s letter to resolve the dispute. If it does not do so, Rakhale’s representatives say they will proceed with a FIFA complaint.