Eagles, Tigers tussle over Mpulula

Blue Eagles and Azam Tigers FC are involved in a heated row over striker Chikondi Mpulula’s move.

 

Eagles claim Mpulula is featuring for Tigers illegally as they did not sanction his clearance.

The cops, therefore, want Super League of Malawi (Sulom) to punish Tigers, including forfeiting points in the game they won [1-0] against Silver Strikers last weekend.

However, Tigers have dismissed Eagles’ claims, insisting that Mpulula was cleared by Sulom in a swap deal with Micium Mhone.

Eagles vice-chairperson Masauko Medi claims it was agreed with Tigers that the player would be cleared only if they settled [Tigers] bills that were accumulated by Mpulula at a lodge in Lilongwe.

Said Medi: “The manner in which the player moved to Tigers was unprocedural and his conduct left a lot to be desired.

“He just left the lodge where he was staying unceremoniously and it was agreed with Tigers that we were ready to release him on condition that they foot the bill.

“Tigers did not meet the condition and we were surprised to learn that Chikondi had been cleared and was playing for them. So, under these circumstances, we are demanding that Tigers should be punished for featuring the player illegally.”

Tigers chairperson Sydney Chikoti laughed off Eagles’ claims: “Such issues only crop up when teams like ours, that are deemed to be small, win a game.

“To begin with, there was no such an agreement with Eagles. If there was an issue to do with bills accumulated at a lodge, then that does not concern us.

“What we know is that Eagles got our players on loan, including Mhone, and it was agreed that we should process a swap deal. In fact, Eagles were supposed to pay an extra fee, that was the agreement.”

Sulom vice-general secretary Captain Thokozani Chazema also described Eagles claim as baseless, saying all procedures were followed by the parties involved.

“The transfer window closed on October 13 and three weeks down the line, they are coming up with the claims. Why did they not raise the issues before?” Chazema wondered.