BB snub Nomads’ $1000 Chande contract buy-out

The TNM Super League transfer window as usual was not without drama on the last day, March 31, as clubs scuttled to make final moves on players they intended to sign for the coming season.

After keeping people in suspense on which players would be signed or released, Be Forward Wanderers named a 27-member final squad.

New-faces on the list submitted to Football Association of Malawi (FAM) are Japanese player Genki Nakamula, Peter Wadabwa, Jimmy Zakazaka, Nenani Juwayo, Foster Namwela, Felix Zulu and Jaffalie Chande.

But Chande could find himself sidelined from 2016 TNM Super League first round after Nyasa Big Bullets on Thursday turned down Be Forward Wanderers’ K700 000 ($1,000) contract buy-out.

Wanderers offered to buy the remaining five months of Chande’s contract, but Bullets have told the Nomads to go and hang over what vice-general secretary Kelvin Moyo described as the Lali Lubani outfit and the player’s dishonesty.

Moyo said the player lied that he would return to Bullets.

“Initially we wanted Wanderers to buy out the remainder of his contract. But Jaffalie fooled the executive committee and the trustees that he is no longer interested to join Wanderers. He promised to return all the money he had accepted from Wanderers.

“But he ended up changing his mind again and that has angered most people. So, he is going to play for Bullets for the rest of his contract,” Moyo said.

Wanderers general secretary Mike Butao said  the Nomads were willing to pay Bullets for Chande’s remaining months on his contract; hence, the $1000 offer.

But Bullets have insisted that the player can only leave in August.

Wanderers argued that the player is a free agent and that they already signed him on a three-year contract and that since he already started benefiting from the pre-contract, the agreement was effective.

“We already signed Chande on a three-year contract. We followed all the rules governing transfers  which in this case, stipulate that a player with six months or less remaining in his contract is free to talk to and sign a pre-contract with another team without seeking prior approval or authority  from his current club,” Butao said.

However, Moyo argued that despite Chande being a free agent, he still has a contractual obligation with Bullets until August.

“He is a free agent, yes, but attached since he has less than six months to go. So here is his option—play for Bullets till August and for Nomads after that. But as of now, he still has contractual obligations with Bullets,” said Moyo.

FAM player transfer matching system manager Casper Jangale called for players to understand contractual terns and their meaning.

“That’s why the players need managers who are aware of the rules and regulations to avoid such things,” said Jangale.

Meanwhile, other players in Wanderers’ 2016 squad are Bester Phiri, Peter Munthali, Francis Mlimbika, Stanley Sanudi, Bongani Kaipa, Kondwani Lufeyo, Boston Kabango, Peter Nselema,  Isaac Kaliati, Mike Kaziputa, Luke Milanzie, Patrick Gunde, Rafick Mussa, Rafick Namwera, Ernest Tambe, Ibrahim Sadik, and Jabulani Linje.

Bullets, on the other hand, have so far registered Emmanuel Zoya, John Lanjesi, Muhammad Sulumba, Mike Mkwate, Sankhani Mkandawire, Bashir Maunde, Dalitso Sailesi, Yamikani Fodya, Owen Chaima, Amadu Makawa, Pililani Zonda, Mcfallen Mgwira, Miracle Gabeya, Chiukepo Msowoya, Chikondi Likwemba, George Nyirenda, Ernest Kakhobwe, Henry Kabichi, Mussa Manyenje, Davie Ng’ambi, Ian Chinyama, Divason Mlozi, Chimwemwe Kumkwawa, Chiku Kanyenda, Aimable Nikiza, Jeresi Lufeyo and Fischer Kondowe.

However, Lufeyo and Chinyama have been loaned to Civo United.