Cosmos won’t sign John Banda

South Africa Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfit Jomo Cosmos will not sign Blue Eagles midfielder John Banda during the on-going January transfer window after opting to fill its remaining foreign quota by recruiting a goalkeeper.

According to PSL rules, clubs are allowed to register five foreign players only.

Banda, a Flames regular, underwent week-long trials early this month and claimed that he was verbally informed to have passed the test.

However, in an interview on Wednesday, the midfielder disclosed receiving communication that the Johannesburg-based outfit has signed a goalkeeper.

“I have been told that they will not sign me now,” he said. “I am disappointed but that is part of the game.”

Meanwhile, Banda said that the club has indicated it might consider him in the next transfer window upon off-loading some foreign players, a claim that was corroborated by Cosmos’ local-based agent Ben Chiwaya.

“He did well, he is a good player, but the priority now was to sign a goalkeeper,” said Chiwaya

But the midfielder said he was not banking on the Cosmos move, revealing that he still eyeing openings at other foreign clubs. He did not disclose their identity.

“There are other teams we are discussing with because I am not assured of clinching the Jomo deal. After all I didn’t sign a pre-contract,” he said.

Banda, who excels in both central and wide midfield positions, has in recent years been a key player for Flames with vital goals among his special attributes. n