On the move players in race against time

Malawian players that are set to join South African clubs are in a race against time as the transfer window closes tomorrow midnight.

Be Forward Wanderers defender Dennis Chembezi, last season TNM Super League golden boot winner Khuda Muyaba, Kamuzu Barracks midfielder Chikoti Chirwa and Blue Eagles’ Schumacher Kuwali have all reportedly signed with foreign clubs.

Chembezi and Muyaba are with South Africa Premier League outfit Polokwane FC while Chirwa is at PSL outfit Chippa United.

Mozambican giants União Desportiva do Songo (UD Songo) have roped in Kuwali.

However, two days before the transfer window closes in Mozambique and South Africa, FAM transfer matching system manager Casper Jangale has confirmed that none of the players signed with foreign clubs had been issued with an international transfer certificate (ITC) as of close of business yesterday.

“So far we have not received ITC request for any Malawian player. The transfer window closes in two days. Unless the clubs apply for the ITC within these days, the players will have to wait until the window reopens,” he said.

The transfer window of the association that a player is leaving does not have to be open for a player to be issued an ITC, according to Fifa transfer matching system.

Nyasa Big Bullets duo of Precious Sambani and Hassan Kajoke are also expected to travel to Ukraine to try their luck at FC Rukh Lviv.

However, the Ukrainian football window is set to open today hence they may be registered if successful.

Flames midfielder Francisco Madinga, who has been signed by Georgia outfit FC Dila Gori, is also safe since the Eurasian football window is open until March 30.

The club’s agent Avi Zion said they will apply for ITC after the player has completed a successful medical.

Jangale said those likely to be affected are the ones heading to South Africa.

 “For those going to Europe it’s not a problem since most of their windows are either open or set to open next month. “But for those joining South African clubs the window closes on Friday,” he said.