No major player transfer yet

Although a number of big-name Super League players have been linked with possible moves, Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has said no major transfer has been completed since the window opened over two weeks ago. Sulom treasurer Tiya Somba-Banda, who also acts as general secretary (GS), yesterday said: “There is nothing so far. The assumption is that teams are still negotiating.”

He also said the second-round is scheduled to kick off on September 5 and the transfer window will close on August 28.

“Sulom is appealing to all clubs and players to ensure that the transfers’ processes are done according to the Rules and Regulations on player transfer,” said Somba-Banda.

Among the big-name players linked with possible moves are Azam Tigers midfielder Yamikani Chester, Epac FC defender Boston Kabango and Civo United defender John Lanjesi.

Chester was linked to Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers, but Bullets have since given up on the pursuit for the player, according to their vice-general secretary Kelvin Moyo.

“We were desperate to get Yamikani, but Tigers through their technical director Robin Alufandika have turned down our request. That leaves us with Mzuni’s Burundian striker Niyikiza Aimable and Dedza Young Soccer defender Chisomo Mpachika,” said Moyo.

He said although there are some immigration complications which could block Aimable’s move, they are keen to pursue the matter with Mzuni. Dedza’s coach Milias Pofera is on record as having said he can only release Mpachika to Bullets on condition that the swap with two defenders namely Sankhani Mkandawire and Yamikani Fodya.

Kabango, who has a two-year running contract with Epac, has attracted the interest of Wanderers and Fisd Wizards.

Wizards’ technical director Peter Mponda confirmed that apart from Kabango, they are also interested in Wanderers and Bullets blossoming forwards Precious Msosa and Amos Khamula respectively.

“Our executive has approached their teams and we are waiting for their responses,” said Mponda.

Wanderers GS Mike Butao said they are interested in signing a defender and a midfielder, but he could not be drawn to disclose the names.

However, according to our findings, the Nomads are eyeing either John Lanjesi or Kabango to strengthen their defence as well as Chester.

However, Lanjesi is also reportedly on Silver Strikers’ ‘wanted’ list and Civo have since pegged the Flames right-back at K4.5 million ($8 788).

“We have written both teams that we are looking for K4.5 million for the player which we think is less than the actual value of Lanjesi. John is a regular national team player who has impressed and he has a great future looking at his talent.

“Three years ago, clubs agreed that national team players should be valued at K3 million. But that is long time ago. Now Lanjesi has exceeded that value,” Civo general secretary Rashid Ntelera told The Nation on Tuesday.

Silver are also linked with Wanderers goalkeeper Bester Phiri who featured in the Inter City Bonanza last weekend.