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Chester gets new year gift

It is a timely New Year’s gift for Be Forward Wanderers  gifted midfielder Yamikani Chester who has clinched an outright three-year deal with Czech third-tier league side MFK Vyškoe.

Chester (R) in full flight during the recent Fisd Challenge Cup final match against Silver Strikers

But the Czech side, which is based in the Southern Moravian Region, has since loaned him out to a United States outfit North Carolina FC which plays in the second-tier USL Championship effective tomorrow up to December 15 2019.

Chester has been the brilliant conductor of the Nomads’ orchestra in the just-ended season and his imminent departure will, most likely, affect the Lali Lubani Road side.

Nomads chairperson Gift Mkandawire agreed that the player’s imminent move will affect their side.

“I can confirm that we are landing a good future for Chester, having clinched a deal with the Czech side, but the club is further loaning him to North Carolina.

“He [Chester] is one of our key players, but we could not deny him the opportunity although we need his services,” he said.

Mkandawire also said the supremely gifted midfielder has already agreed personal terms with the Czech side through a Cameroonian agent who is handling the deal.

“We expect one or two more to be offered similar opportunities soon, but Wanderers supporters should not get worried of our export. This will encourage players to work hard as we have a channel for their future.”

However, the Nomads chairperson kept a tight lid on the other details such as the transfer fee, saying: “It’s a bit premature to talk about that at this stage.”

Part of the loan deal between the Czech and US teams states that North Carolina will be responsible for his salary.

“In addition to the base salary, the club shall provide the player with such other benefits [e.g. health insurance; housing], if any, during the period of time specified therein,” reads part of the contract which The Nation has seen.

On his part, Chester, 24, said he is excited as the move could be a stepping stone to greater heights.

“It is every player’s dream to play overseas and I believe this opportunity is the breakthrough I needed. But I won’t comment much until everything is finalised,” he said.

Flames legend Ernest Mtawali, who played in French and Argentine top-flight leagues as well as in Italian third-tier league, said the development could be a major breakthrough for the player.

“It is not surprising really, he is such a skilful player and it was just a matter of time. I am absolutely certain that he will make it big,” said the former Flames coach.

Other Malawian players plying their trade overseas are Jabulani Linje (Japan) and Tawonga Chimodzi (Cyprus). n

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