TZ club clears Sankhani Mkandawire

Tough-as-teak defender Sankhani ‘Mkango Plus’ Mkandawire can now breathe a sigh of relief having been cleared by Tanzanian Premier League side Mbeya City Council FC after a lengthy contractual dispute.

Mkandawire dumped Mbeya in January this year and returned to Nyasa Big Bullets where he signed a two-year deal, but he could not feature for the People’s Team as the Tanzanian club could not issue his clearance, insisting that he had a running contract.

But his manager MacAdams Mbewe yesterday said after prolonged but fruitful negotiations with Mbeya, the player has now been cleared on mutual consent.

“It wasn’t easy, but we reached a common understanding in the end and Sankhani is now free to start playing for Bullets.

“I have since communicated to FAM [Football Association of Malawi] through their transfer matching system manager Casper Jangale as well as Bullets about the development,” he said.

Jangale also confirmed being in receipt of the player’s clearance from Mbeya.

Part of the clearance letter, dated May 23 2018, reads: “Mbeya City Council Football Club and Sankhani Mkandawire have agreed to terminate the contract that is currently running between the parties on mutual consent.

“Therefore, you are free to join a club of your choice as a free agent.”

Mkandawire joined Mbeya in 2015 alongside  former Bullets team-mate Owen Chaima after being approached by the then Mbeya’s Malawian coach Kinnah Phiri.

Ironically, Phiri also severed ties with the club in October last year.