5 Under-23s sniff deals in Turkey

Five Malawi Under-23 players are set to undergo trials in Turkey where the junior Flames were playing a series of international friendly matches.

Fifa and Uefa licensed International Pelican Sports Agency has requested Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to allow Blessing Mpokela and Alick Lungu of Nyasa Big Bullets, Chawanangwa Gumbo of Ekwendeni Hammers, Mphatso Kamanga of Karonga United and Fanizo Mwansambo  of Bangwe All Stars to  remain in Turkey for the trials.

A letter from the agency to FAM states that the players will undergo trials at International Pelican Sports Agency training centre CampProfi in Istanbul.

Reads the letter in part: “We are working closely with young players from African countries.

“We organise a programme of adaptation of young players to European football, send them to serious professional clubs and carry out career planning. We have a camping centre in Istanbul to work in this direction. The centre is known internationally as the CampProfi centre.”

The agency said it trains national team players with more modern football programmes for three to six months to increase their level and performance and give them to clubs.

International Pelican Sports Agency is expected to provide all the logistics for the players’ proposed three months stay in Turkey.

The agency’s chief executive officer Rasul Allahverdiyev confirmed the development in an interview yesterday.

He said: “They will undergo a daily training process, take part in test matches and will be introduced to the clubs by participating in games with top clubs in Europe at CampProfi’s summer camp.

“All guarantees and obligations related to the development of young players will belong to us from the day these players enter the CampProfi centre. Their medical insurance, air  tickets in case of return to Malawi and resident cards for residence in Turkey will be provided by us.”

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu, who is with the junior Flames in Turkey, said the association will provide necessary support for the players to stay in Turkey for the trials.

He said: “Our objective is to open a career gateway of players to Europe where football is very advanced and remuneration is attractive. We are looking at signing a partnership with Pelican Sports as an entry point into the market in Europe.”

Nyasa Big Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said he was not surprised with their two players’ success.

He said: “Our policy is to provide such opportunity to our players for their career development.”

Football marketing consultant Felix Sapao said the players have good chances of making it in Turkey.

He said: “All depends on what the teams want out of them. Ideally, they are five players, so with such a number, they will give each other confidence.”

During the trip, the junior Flames beat Kuwait 2-0 in their first match and lost 3-0 to Togo in the second match.