Bullets stars go at k140m

 After three months of negotiations, FCB Nyasa Bullets and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) outfit TP Mazembe have completed transfer deals for midfieders Patrick Mwaungulu and Lanjesi Nkhoma.

However, TP Mazembe representative Felix Ngamanya Sapao and Bullets could not be drawn to disclose the actual transfer fees for the two players and the duration of their deals,  but a well-placed source confided that they have been sold at K140 million.In an interview yesterday, Sapao said that the Lubumbashi-based side sent the transfer fees to Bullets on Monday last week and the People’s Team acknowledged receipt on Wednesday.

He said: “The two players now belong to Mazembe and the registration process is currently underway.”

“Although I negotiated the transfer fees, I cannot disclose how much was paid. As for the contracts, it is not an issue as the terms were already agreed long before they came here, but the actual signing awaits the return of the general manager who is away,” he said.

However, The Nation has established that Mazembe has paid K140 million for the Flames duo.

Initially, Bullets pegged Mwaungulu, 22, at K110 million and Nkhoma, also 22, at K70 million, but the two clubs are reported to have settled for K70

 million as transfer fee for each player after protracted negotiations.

Sapao also said as per their contract agreements, the players will get 50 percent of their signing-on fees outright while the remainder will be paid annually for the duration of their deals.

Bullets acting chief executive officer Albert Chigoga also confirmed in an interview yesterday that the two players now belong to

Mazembe.

“That’s pretty true, we concluded everything last week and they now belong to Mazembe, but I cannot confirm the transfer fees,” he said.

Initially, Mazembe wanted to sign the two players alongside Mighty Mukuru Wanderers centre-back Lawrence Chaziya outright, but the DRC outfit changed mind and opted to assess the trio.

The Nomads captain was sent back after the assessments and no reasons were given for the development.

Meanwhile, Sapao has said Mazembe are ready to release the two players for the Flames’ upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Burundi and Burkina Faso should they be needed.

“The arrangement is that they will be released and soon after the Burkina Faso match in Ouagadogou. They will fly straight to Lusaka in Zambia to join the team in preparation for the CAF Champions League second preliminary round first leg against Red Arrows,” he said.

Sapao also said Mazembe‘s technical panel and management are impressed with the two players’ dedication and discipline.

“The coach, Lamine Ndiaye, said the players are fucused and hardworking. They have been informed about strict rules, including diet. Among other things, they have been told that fizzy drinks are prohibited and they can only drink water and juices,” he said