Speaking from the club’s headquarters in Naturena, club Chairman Kaizer Motaung said: “Pule’s new contract was agreed to on the 16 September 2003 but the final signing of the contract was supposed to have happened before the end of March 2004, however the player is presently on the September 2003 salary as according to the new contract agreed last year, to alleviate the player’s financial and family problems.”

Motaung confirmed that the club would not fold its arms over the matter, “In view of the above we will pursue the legal route to ensure that Pule does meet his obligations of the verbal agreement to the contract as the club has always done with regard to his salary,” said Motaung.

The problem has been compounded by the fact that Pule’s attitude at training has been negative towards his colleagues and disruptive to management. Pule had earlier confirmed to the club’s officials that he had had meetings with Sundowns coach Paul Dolezar which “confirmed our suspicions all along that Sundowns were behind his escapades and in fact poaching the youngster.”

Motaung added “We are shocked at these developments after having come all the way with helping the player with his numerous social and financial problems as we would do with all our players, but it has come to light that there is an agent that is behind the whole drama of Pule’s delaying tactics to sign the contract and such agent is unfortunately acting illegally. We intend taking all necessary steps with the South African Football Association (SAFA), hopefully to get his licence cancelled.”

“We are proud to have played a significant role in the development of Jabu Pule. It will be a great disappointment to Chiefs fans and supporters should the matter be not favourably resolved, but the club has done everything to ensure that the player stays in Naturena,” added Motaung.

With this background Pule has been offloaded from the squad that goes to camp for the Castle Premiership clash against Silver Stars at Soccer City on Saturday.