Mozambican club Maputo de Matchedje have ‘dribbled’ past Blantyre United after not honouring a pledge to release midfielder Jimmy Chikulekule for the remaining three TNM Super League games.
Now, Blantyre United might this Saturday face Silver Strikers without Chikulekule, who seems gone for good to Matchedje for a year-long loan spell.
United coach Elia Kananji on Tuesday said he was surprised that Chikulekule has not returned from his loan contract talks as assured by the team’s administrator Lawson Nakoma.
“The technical director [Nakoma] seemed to assure me that the player will be available, but he advised me to have plan B for the Silver game. His absence would be a setback, but there are others who can step in,” said Kananji.
Three weeks ago, Maputo’s Liga Maculmana also made Mighty Wanderers believe Joseph Kamwendo would return from his contract talks, but he never did.
However, FAM commercial manager Casper Jangale said the Mozambican side has not asked for loan processing transfer for Chikulekule.
“For us to sanction this, we need teams to provide us valid contracts. They need to show player ownership. So, for all the players who have gone to Mozambique, we have only processed an international transfer clearance for Joseph Kamwendo only,” said Jangale.
A fortnight ago, Nakoma said Chikulekule was expected back to finish the league campaign after signing a year-long loan deal.
“We have agreed with the club and he is going there to discuss personal terms. They, obviously, are offering him more; in excess of $1 000 in monthly salary, a fully furnished apartment and food. A permanent deal would be subject to further discussions at the end of the loan,” Nakoma explained.
Other players who have sneaked to Mozambican side Ferroviaro de Nampula are Innocent Jere, Gerald Chimbaka from Mighty Wanderers, Blantyre United’s Patrick Thupi while Escom United’s Chiukepo Msowoya has gone to Maxaquene.
Ex-Civo United midfielder Raquub Milanzi is with Chibuto. The international transfer window closes tomorrow (Thursday). Only free agents are not restricted by the Fifa window. Blantyre United also lost Sunday Kamuyang’ana last season to a Mozambican side.
