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Nomads block Sulumba’s Danish trials

In what can be termed as a sheer act of retaliation, Be Forward Wanderers have blocked their former striker Muhammad Sulumba’s trip to Denmark for trials with Second Division side Herforge Boldklub.

This comes days after the burly forward crossed the great divide by signing a three-year deal with the Nomads’ arch-rivals, Nyasa Big Bullets, following the expiry of his season-long deal at Lali Lubani Road from Blantyre United.

Sulumba while playing for Nomads
Sulumba while playing for Nomads

Sulumba and Nomads’ defender Peter Nselema were scheduled to leave for Denmark on March 18 after being spotted by the Danish club’s coach Lars Jensen during his sojourn in the country in December last year when he spotted four players.

A well-placed source confided in the Nation Online that Nomads have struck out Sulumba’s name out of bitterness following his move to join the People’s Team.

However, while confirming the development, Wanderers general secretary Mike Butao dismissed suggestions that this has been done out of bitterness.

“It has nothing to do with bitterness, we are a civilised club. After all, he ceased to be our player the moment his loan deal expired.

“The fact of the matter is that we received communication from Denmark that the two players should travel on March 18. But Sulumba is not our player now [and] the agreement for the trials is between us and our Danish partners and is meant to benefit our players.

“So, I cannot comment on Sulumba any more as he now belongs to another club,” said Butao.

The Nomads’ technical development manager Eddingtone Ng’onamo, who facilitated Jensen’s trip, confirmed seeing the communication from the Danish club, but said the issue was being handled by Wanderers’ executive committee.

“What I can confirm is that out of the four players that were chosen, the first to go for trials next month were supposed to be Sulumba and Nselema, but as to how that will be handled following Sulumba’s departure, then you should talk to the GS [Butao],” said Ng’onamo.

However, when contacted for comment, Sulumba yesterday said he is not bitter with the Nomads’ move.

“I was also tipped about the communication from the Danish club, but I am neither bitter nor do I have any regrets for signing with Bullets.

“If Wanderers have done that out of bitterness, so be it. I am not going to cry over spilt milk because if it was not God’s plan that I should go there for trials, then there is nothing that I can do. It will not even distract my focus as I look forward to a new lease of life at Bullets.

“However, whatever happens, the Danish coach spotted me and there can never be another Muhammad Sulumba,” he said.

The Danish side could not be reached for comment.

Bullets vice-chairperson Sadiki Malinga said as a club they cannot comment on the matter as the arrangement was between the Danish club and Wanderers.

“We do not have particulars as to what were the terms of the trials and, in such circumstances, I am afraid it would be difficult to comment,” said Malinga.

Apart from Sulumba and Mselema, Herfolge also spotted defender Ted Sumani and midfielder Isaac Kaliyati who are also earmarked for trials between next month and April.

The People’s Team unveiled Sulumba in Blantyre on Thursday where the club’s chairperson Samuel Chilunga said they were honoured to have him in their team.

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