Thindwa’s Caps move doubtful

Uncertainty hangs in the balance for striker Ishmael Thindwa’s transfer from Epac to Zimbabwe’s Caps United as that country’s transfer window closed last month. Yet, he remains uncleared.

Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) communication manager Xolisani Gwesela told that country’s News Day newspaper last Friday that it was now impossible for Caps to register him.

The Zimbabwe season started at the weekend and Thindwa might only be registered in the next transfer window in July, just a few months before the expiry of his year-long contract.

“We have not received any papers from Caps United for the registration of the player in question. The player Ishmael Thindwa is not registered with our Transfer Matching System (TMS) in line with Fifa statutes.

“The Fifa cut-off date for the transfer of players was March 25, consequently he cannot be registered outside the transfer window. He will have to wait for the next transfer window,” Gwesela was quoted as saying.

But Caps United team manager Luis Maio claimed that they were still waiting for the processing of the player’s papers, which include a work permit. Maio said he would approach Zifa for clarity.

“That is news to me. As far as we are concerned, we submitted all the documents to Zifa. I will approach Zifa to seek clarification on the matter,” Maio was quoted as saying.

Thindwa, who was the TNM Super League scorer last season and in 2011, is pegged at K5 million, but Caps only paid K2 million, according to Epac general secretary Roy Mdechi who vowed not to clear the player unless the balance is settled.