English Premiership top side Chelsea are tracking the progress of Flames blossoming defender Limbikani ‘Pupa’ Mzava with an intention of inviting him for trials.
Celtic’s Malawian team manager John Maduka, the player’s manager Walter Mokoena and international media reports confirmed the Blues interest in the promising defender, but were quick to say that there is nothing concrete at this stage.
Said Maduka in a telephone interview from Bloemfontein on Monday: “I can confirm that Chelsea contacted us [Celtic] on Limbikani and they are currently monitoring his performance with keen interest.
“They have even asked us to send a copy of his DVD and we have been in touch with his personal manager on the issue.”
He said he is not surprised with the current Uefa Champions League holders’ interest in the player, considering his consistent form at club level.
“The boy has been at his ultra-reliable best and he keeps on improving with every game.
“He has also matured noticeably and when management briefed me on Chelsea’s interest, I was the least surprised. In fact, there quite a number of top overseas clubs that are keenly following his progress.
“However, I have advised him not to lose focus and put extra effort on his game as there is nothing concrete yet,” said the former Flames captain.
Mokoena also confirmed having been contacted by Chelsea over his client.
“They first got in touch with his club [Celtic] who referred them to me and I can confirm that they are monitoring his progress.
“If he remains consistent, they could invite him for trials later in the year. Apart from Chelsea, there are also a number of teams that have shown serious interest in Mzava such as Monaco in France where he had trials last year,” said Mokoena.
And one of the online international media reports stated that: “We can reveal that English Premier League club Chelsea are tracking the progress of young Bloemfontein Celtic defender, Limbikani Mzava,” under the title headline: ‘Chelsea track Mzava.’
However, Mzava could not be reached for comment on Monday as he was reportedly in transit to Botswana to join the Flames ahead of Tuesday evening’s international friendly match against the Zebras.
Previously on trial with Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel and top French side Monaco, the 19-year-old Phunya SeleSele defender, has been an integral part of Celtic’s rearguard this season.
So far, he has made 14 Premier Soccer League (PSL) appearances for Celtic. Overall, he has played 18 games, including four in the Telkom Knockout which Celtic eventually won.
Mzava is tipped as a natural successor to Flames veteran defender Peter Mponda.
