SA club ditches Mbulu, opts for Sibale
South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Baroka FC have cancelled Mafco forward Richard Mbulu’s trials and replaced him with Silver Strikers’ up-and-coming marksman Mathews Sibale who has been a revelation in the TNM Super League first round.
Confirming the development, Baroka FC agent Tebogo Ramasilo said the change of heart was due to the recent events surrounding TNM Super League joint leading goal-scorer.
“Richard [Mbulu] is no longer in our plans. Right now, we are considering calling Mwathews [Sibale] for trials. He is young and equally good. He can make it here in South Africa,” he said.
Mbulu was banned for the rest of the season for his role when the Carlsberg Cup quarter-final between Mafco and Nyasa Big Bullets was called off due to a fracas that happened at Chitowe Stadium two weeks ago, but the punishment has been reduced to Carlsberg Cup matches only after a successful appeal.
However, Ramasilo said despite the lifting of the ban, the newly-promoted PSL side is no longer interested in the player.
Mbulu last week said he had not yet heard from the club on the decision to cancel the trials.
“I cannot say much, but I am worried because my football career will be affected and it is painful,” he said.
Meanwhile, Silver Strikers general secretary Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda said they are ready to release Sibale for the trials.
“We will release Mathews once we get the official invitation for trials,” he said.
Baroka FC’s change of heart on Mbulu also comes after Football Association of Malawi (FAM) transfer matching system (TMS) manager, Casper Jangale, indicated that suspensions are transferable to a foreign league under the new system.
