Controversy over Mlimbika rages on

Misunderstandings between Wanderers FC and Nsundwe United over ownership of defender Francis Mlimbika refuse to die.

This has come after Silver Strikers paid K600 000 (about $1 500) to Nsundwe last week as transfer fee for the left-back to claim his ownership.

Nsundwe say they have sealed a deal with Silver, but Central Region Football League (CRFL) says Wanderers own the player.

Mlimbika moved to Wanderers four years ago at an undisclosed fee, but there was an outstanding balance of K300 000 (about $750) which the Nomads failed to settle for the past three years.

“We can confirm that Wanderers have paid the money and from our point of view, the player now belongs to Wanderers. Of course, they have to be blamed for failing to pay in time,” said CRFL general secretary Bernard Harawa.

Wanderers general secretary David Kanyenda said the issue is sealed.

“We have paid through the league because all along, transfer issues were being done through them. Like I said, he is going nowhere,” he said.

But Nsundwe official Fanwell Mateyu told Zodiak Broadcasting Station that they have cancelled the Wanderers deal and have sealed one with Silver.

“We own the player and have a right to sell him to a club of our choice. So, we have sold him to Silver because they met our demands at once.

“The player stayed at Wanderers for four years so what? It is like a man staying with a woman in the same house for four years without paying lobola to her parents and another man comes and pays lobola. The second man owns the woman,” he said.

Silver general secretary Owen Munthali on Monday said if Wanderers want the player, they have to negotiate with them.

“We now own the rights of the player; so, if Nomads still want him, they must talk to us. Otherwise, he is expected to start training with us on Tuesday,” he said.

Sulom officials could not be reached for comment on the matter.