Madinga’s trip fails after testing Covid-19 positive

Georgia-based midfielder Francisco Madinga has failed to return to his base after testing positive for Covid-19.

The player’s manager Gift Mkandawire yesterday said the gifted winger, who was set to return to Georgia yesterday to join his top-flight club FC Dila Gori for pre-season training, underwent a test on Saturday in Blantyre.

He said: “It is a requirement that persons entering Georgia should have undergone a Covid-19 test within 72 hours and present their certificate.

“He is asympomatic and will undergo another test on January 17.

“I informed his club about the development and, of course, they are concerned. They are actually making regular follow-ups.

“But Madinga is in high spirits and is hopeful that he will pull through.”

The former Mighty Wanderers player is in the country on off-season holiday.

Madinga, who will turn 21 next month, confirmed his status yesterday, saying he had entrusted his manager to handle the matter.

He signed a two-year contract for Dila Gori in January 2020 and came off the bench to score on his competitive debut for the club in a 2-0 away win over FC Torpedo Kutaisi.

FC Dila Gori finished third in the Georgian top-flight Erovnuli Liga last season and Madinga was a key member of the squad.

The team won the Georgian Cup in 2012 and Georgian Championship in 2015.