Mixed fortunes
The gods of football have smiled at Nyasa Big Bullets talisman Chiukepo Msowoya who has signed a six-month deal at South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfit Golden Arrows.
The burly forward has got the nod from the Durban-based outfit after undergoing successful two-week trials.
Chiukepo and Bullets chairperson Noel Lipipa confirmed the development in separate interviews yesterday.
“Relief and excitement was the prevalent emotion for me because it is very rare that you get such an opportunity, especially considering my age,” said Chiukepo who will be having his second stint in the PSL after an unsuccessful spell with giants Orlando Pirates between 2010 and 2012.
He has been offered a deal up to the end of the season with an option to renew it by another year.
Chiukepo expressed gratitude to his compatriot Limbikani Mzava for the role he played to make it happen.
“I gave it my best shot, but I would like to appreciate the role that my brother Mzava played in this whole deal and I owe it to him. Let me also thank my team’s [Bullets] management and fans for their support.”
On his part, Lipipa said: “I can confirm that Arrows have contacted us regarding Chiukepo and we are happy for him. He has a month left on his contract and obviously we will let him go as a free agent. We appreciate all that he has done for the team and we wish him all the best.”
Last year, Chiukepo also underwent trials at another PSL side Bloemfontein Celtic, but was not offered a deal.
His signing now brings the number of Malawian players in the PSL to seven. He joins his new team-mate Mzava, Robert Ng’ambi, Gerald Phiri Jnr (both Platinum Stars), Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango (Bidvest Wits), Atusaye Nyondo (Celtic) and Esau Kanyenda (Polokwane City).
However, it has turned out to be a week of mixed fortunes in the People’s Team camp as promising defender Miracle Gabeya is now trying his luck at another PSL side Highlands Park after failing to clinch a deal with giants Kaizer Chiefs.
According to goal.com, Gabeya was released at Chiefs after Ivorian defender Ismael Olivier Toure also failed to make it.
Gabeya was not available for comment but soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda observed that the defender faced stiff competition at Amakhosi trials.
“We are talking of competing against players from Ivory Coast, Brazil and Italy. That tells you it wasn’t child’s play there,” he said.
Nyirenda, however, said Gabeya stands a chance of convincing Highlands Park technical panel.
“I think at Highlands Park the competition will not be as tough as at Amakhosi. Gabeya is a young and talented player and I would not be surprised if he is offered a deal outright,” he said.
Highlands Park were promoted to the PSL for the 2016/17 season following a 2-0 win over Mbombela United in promotion play-offs in December. n
