Mwase asks Chester to train with local team

Flames coach Meck Mwase has advised former US-based attacker Yamikani Chester to start training with a local team as he awaits his next move abroad.

The ex-Be Forward Wanderers star—who is contracted to Cezc third-tier league side MFK Vyskov— has been in the country since September last year following the expiry of his loan deal at US club Las Vegas Lights.

He was not considered for the Flames’ recent 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Sudan and Uganda due to inactivity.

Said Mwase: “Being a key member of the national team, we are concerned that his continued inactivity could affect his form and fitness.

“So, I met him last week and asked him to consider training with a local team of his choice as he awaits to sort out his future.

“In the course of our meeting he indicated that he was planning to start training with his former club Wanderers.”

The Flames gaffer said if Chester is to be considered for the national team, he needs to be active.

Neither Chester nor his United Kingdom-based manager James Woods Nkhutabasa were available for comment yesterday.

But last month, Nkhutabasa said there were some US clubs that were interested to sign his client, “but the US Embassy in Malawi is not issuing visas until mid March”.

Nomads’ interim general secretary Fadwick Matemba said they are prepared to welcome back the player.

He said: “The issue has been brought to our attention, but I will only have a clear picture tomorrow [today].”

On whether they have plans to sign him on short-term loan deal, the Nomads GS said: “For now, let’s live it there.”