Sulumba, Mhone off to SA

Although South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfit Jomo Cosmos is yet to conclude transfer deals with Blue Eagles and Blantyre United for Micium Mhone and Muhamad Sulumba respectively, the two players flew out to Johannesburg yesterday morning to join their prospective new team’s pre-season camp training.

Cosmos’ local representative Ben Chiwaya and the two local clubs confirmed the players’ departure in separate interviews yesterday.

“I can confirm that both players are now in Jo’burg pending further negotiations with their prospective clubs.

“We are optimistic that the negotiations will be fruitful and that is why we decided to send the players so that they could as well start adjusting to the new environment. They have travelled with their clubs’ blessings,” said Chiwaya.

Eagles general secretary Ackis Muwanga confirmed that both the club and his employers Malawi Police Service (MPS) sanctioned the trip.

“We are meeting later today to discuss Cosmos’ offer and pending that meeting, we have seen it wise to release him.

“If we agree on the terms then he will remain there, but if we don’t then he will return,” said Muwanga.

United’s technical director Lawson Nakoma said: “Sulumba has gone with our blessings. Our priority is that we should serve the player’s interests and then ours can come later.

“It could be a lifetime opportunity for him and we do not [want] to be seen as if we are blocking him from prospects of a bright future. Our hope though is that we will reach an amicable agreement with Cosmos.”

Asked what will happen in the event that they do not agree since the player already committed his future to Cosmos by signing a contract, Nakoma said: “I do not think that should be an issue because will have to authorise his international transfer certificate.”

Sulumba and Mhone signed three and two-year contracts respectively after undergoing successful trials.