Moses Chavula on trials in Beirut

Flames stand-in captain Moses ‘Luba’ Chavula is on trials at top Lebanese club Nejmeh SC (Sporting Club) in Beirut.

In a related development, Flames striker Jimmy Zakazaka has landed a two-year deal with South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Thanda Royal Zulu.

Chavula confirmed leaving for the Middle East domain on Monday.

“I am here in Beirut for trials at Nejmeh FC. The trials were arranged by my South African-based manager and I will be here for a week or so. I started my trials on a good note yesterday [Tuesday] and I am hoping to impress,” said the Flames left-back.

Last season, Nejmeh SC finished second in the Lebanese top-flight league, with 51 points, four behind champions Safa.

The 26-year-old defender dismissed suggestions that the move could be a slide in his career as the Middle East country is 127th on Fifa rankings.

“People might see it that way, but the Lebanese league is very competitive and well set-up. They attract good players from all over the world.

“Nejmeh is also one of the top teams here and it competes in the Asian Cup on a regular basis. They also offer good money, so I would not really agree with the perception that it is a wrong move,” said Chavula.

Nejmeh is a professional club based in the Manara district of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. Nejmeh is Arabic for star.

Nejmeh SC are considered one of the most popular football teams in Lebanon. The club was established in Beirut in 1945, and received its licence on April 28 1947. The club rose gradually along the divisions and finally reached the first division in 1951. They play their home games at the Al Manara Stadium.

The Lebanese Premier League has 12 teams, but only 10 survive a season. Two teams get relegated to the Lebanese Second Division as the other sides from the lower league get promoted.

Chavula found game time hard to come by at Amazulu since joining in 2011 and it seems that he will look to pursue his career with the Lebanese giants.

He went to South Africa in 2008 when he joined Nathi Lions from MTL Wanderers. After a three-year stint, he went on to join Usuthu in 2011.

In a related development, Zakazaka yesterday confirmed signing a two-year contract through his young brother Gomezgani, a sports journalist who acts as his agent.

Said Gomezgani: “Jimmy signed the contract last Friday and he joins an ambitious side that has been competing for PSL promotion for the last two seasons.”

The 28-year-old Zakazaka has joined compatriot Peter Wadabwa who has been with Durban-based side for the past two seasons.

Meanwhile, gangling forward Russell Mwafulirwa is reported to have signed a short-term deal with a Swedish top club.

Mwafulirwa told a local radio yesterday that he has signed a three-month contract. He could not be reached for his comment yesterday, but he is on record telling Flames coach Kinnah Phiri that he would be rejoining his former club IFK Norrkoping.