Chiukepo wants out of Pirates
Transfer-listed Orlando Pirates’ Malawian forward Chiukepo Msowoya is reported to be negotiating for a mutual termination of his contract to become a free agent.
Both the player and his agent Felix Ngamanya-Sapao on Wednesday confirmed meeting Pirates management over the issue last Friday.
“We have had talks with Pirates because Chiukepo still has a year remaining on his contract. One of the options being pursued is mutual termination of his contract, but I cannot go into details as regards the progress. Hopefully, by the end of this week, there should be something concrete,” said Sapao from Johannesburg on Wednesday.
On his part, Chiukepo said: “They asked for our position following the decision to put me on a transfer list. We suggested contract termination since it was the club that decided to transfer-list me.
“My hope is that they can pay me for the remaining duration and that I can join another team as a free agent.”
He said Pirates advised them to wait for their chairperson Dr. Irvin Khoza, who is currently in England.
Meanwhile, a well-placed source claims Chiukepo is linked with a move to Big Bullets in an attempt to revive his career.
Bullets general secretary Higger Mkandawire confirmed hearing the report.
“However, our position would be that the door is open and we would be willing to take him on board and help him revive his career. He is a quality forward who would boost our striking force,” said Mkandawire.
However, Chiukepo said the issue has not been discussed at any point.
“I will only be in a position to know my next move after finalising with Pirates. For now, I cannot say whether I will return home or join another team elsewhere,” said Chiukepo.
On his part, Sapao said: “If Chiukepo is intending to join Bullets, then I am not aware. As I said, Chiukepo is still under contract with Pirates. Would Bullets afford to buy him?”
Last year, another Malawian midfielder Joseph Kamwendo also agreed to a mutual termination of his contract and returned home and rejoined Mighty Wanderers.
Last week, Pirates confirmed that Chiukepo was one of the six players on the transfer list. The list was finalised following the club’s technical committee meeting. The other transfer-listed players were Dikgang Mabalane, Lizo Mjempu, Talatou Boubacar, Njabulo Ntusi and Njabulo Manqana.
Other Malawian players whose contracts with South African teams have either been terminated or not renewed recently include Moses Chavula, Fischer Kondowe and Grant Lungu.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu said his view is that the players join wrong clubs in South Africa.
“The other thing is that these clubs do not understand the potential of Malawian players. We have a good crop of players, but they [players] must also learn to compete among the best when they join professional clubs,” said Nyamilandu.
He also noted that some players do not have a professional approach to the day-to-day life of their football career.
“They need to demonstrate a lot of professionalism to be guaranteed a place. They must also realise that not all is lost and home is best. They can relaunch their careers if they return home and play in the Super League. They can take a leaf from the form that Joseph [Kamwendo] is in at the moment,” said Nyamilandu.
