Cosmos want ‘CJ’ in SA next week
South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfit Jomo Cosmos has requested Blue Eagles FC to release their talisman John ‘CJ’ Banda next week for trials.
Cosmos’ local-based agent Ben Chiwaya said in an interview on Thursday that the club’s owner and coach Jomo Sono wants to assess him for a week.
“As stated earlier, we still have a slot for a foreign player and Jomo is keen on signing ‘CJ’ and he has instructed me to make arrangements that he travels to Johannesburg for assessment by Tuesday.
“To that effect, I have already sent a letter of request for his release to his club and I am waiting for their response,” said Chiwaya.
Eagles vice-chairperson Happy Mkandawire yesterday said they were yet to discuss the issue.
“I can confirm that I spoke to Chiwaya on the matter last evening [Tuesday] when he informed me about the e-mail he had sent on behalf of Cosmos, but once I go through it, I will take it up with our chairperson to agree on the way forward,” he said.
Should he crack the nod, Banda will join compatriot and former Eagles teammate Micium Mhone who signed a two-year deal at Cosmos at the beginning of the season.
Mhone signed for Cosmos alongside striker Muhammad Sulumba but the latter’s deal was cancelled just a month after putting pen to paper.
Other Malawian players who play in the South African top-flight league are Limbikani Mzava, Robert Ng’ambi, Atusaye Nyondo, Esau Kanyenda, Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango, Robin Ngalande and Gerald Phiri Jnr while Harry Nyirenda plays in the second-tier league.
