Civil to offload six players

Super League outfit Civil Sporting Club will offload six players this week as part of the squad’s restructuring ahead of the new season preparations next month, the club confirmed.

Although the government-sponsored side kept a tight lid on names of those on the chop list, inside sources confided in The Nation that they include midfielder Patrick Thupi and Ignatius Makoloni.

In an interview yesterday, Civil general secretary Ronald Chiwaula said those on the list are close to the end of their contracts which will not be renewed.

“Some have three months before their contracts expire. After assessing their performances, the technical panel felt that they were not good enough to continue playing for us,” he said.

Chiwaula said they were, as of yesterday, preparing letters to address the players on the development.

“We want them to have freedom to find new clubs before the season kicks off. We should not hold them to ransom,” he said.

Chiwaula revealed that they have already identified their replacement. Among the players, the Civil Servants are targeting is defender Emmanuel Zoya who has been laid off at Nyasa Big Bullets.

“Discussions with Emmanuel are at an advanced stage. The other players are coming from within the Super League while others are from lower divisions,” he said.

Chiwaula said they are targeting to win, at least, one trophy in the forthcoming season.

“We want to do better and we believe that the squad we will assemble will be better and competitive,” he said.

Meanwhile, one of the affected players Thupi said he respects the decision of the club.

“Though I have not yet received any communication, I don’t have any grudge against the club if they have decided to take that stand,” he said.

Thupi, who played for Bullets and Tigers, said he will plan the way forward once Civil officially clear him.