Players desert Moyale FC

Moyale Barracks, who are reeling from an exodus of players, have retained only five players from last season’s squad. Reasons are multiple, including Malawi Defence Force (MDF) training and lack of incentives.

Moyale coach Nicholas Mhango confirmed that, from over 20 players, he was now remaining with Lovemore Mitengo, Boyboy Chima, Clifford Fukizi, Mphatso Mhoni and Sandres Nyirenda.

“I have problems. My only hope is that things will work out after August, when Gastin Simkonda, McDonald Harawa and others come back from military training. Those that have left include Andrew Simkonda, Crispin Fukizi, Dan Ziba, World Nkuliwa, Deus Nkutu, Lameck Thindwa and goalkeeper John Soko,” Mhango said through Facebook interview.

 

Soko has relocated to Blue Eagles, Ziba and Nkuliwa have reportedly sought a new lease of life at rookies Kamuzu Barracks, veteran Thindwa is on peace-keeping mission in Cote d’Ivoire while Victor Phiri has retired.

 

Phiri is now assistant team manager, whereas former Malawi Under-17 star Andrew Simkonda is said to have switched to track and field events.

 

“He has decided to be an athlete than a football player. There is no official confirmation though from him, but his friends said so,” the Moyale trainer said.

 

“The team I have now is totally new. I have hope that they will barely keep the team going. I am still assessing them and there are 12. I have no hope of winning any trophy in the 2012-2013 season. I am using temporarily Charles Sikwewa as goalkeeper,” he said. Sikwewa once played for Wanderers and Eagles Strikers.

 

Soko confirmed on Wednesday that he relocated to Nankhaka due to lack of incentives at Moyale.

 

“We joined Moyale with a hope for a job in the army. I was called for training but something did not work out for me and Moyale could not give me a back up. I could not survive on the little we receive,” he said.

 

Other MDF teams such as Red Lions and Mafco, too, have lost players through the ongoing MDF training. Lions coach Collins Nkuna confirmed recently that he is rebuilding the team.

 

Unlike the other MDF teams, Moyale are feeling the pinch since they are used to winning trophies. Lions and Mafco have never won domestic top trophies.

 

Moyale open the season with Mighty Wanderers on Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.