Carara Kicks duo future uncertain

There is a cloud of uncertainty over the future of defender Sankhani Mkandawire and midfielder Jacob Ngwira at South Africa’s National First Division (NFD) side Carara Kicks as their three-year contracts expire in two weeks’ time.

From the look of things, the contracts of the two will not be renewed as their team is set to release a number of players, according to South African media reports.

The duo, who are in the country for pre-season holiday, said on Wednesday that they are waiting for communication from the club regarding their future.

“After the season, we were told there are going to be a lot of changes at the team. They said they would call the players they want for next season after June 30, so we are just waiting and cannot comment more,” said Ngwira.

But Mkandawire said the team is facing financial problems and that could be the main reason for them to part ways after June 30.

“At the beginning of last season, they wanted to cut our salaries due to financial problems, but we refused .We were supposed to get an increment, but that did not happen. We understood their position and stayed.

“But for next season, it seems there will be no expectation as everybody will have salaries deducted. If my salary is reduced, then I am not going back to the club. I would rather find a local club in the Super League other than get lower perks and play in the lower league,” said Mkandawire.

Carara Kicks officials and Flames coach Kinnah Phiri, who facilitated the deal of the two, could not be reached for a comment.

Regardless of what happens in the next 15 days, the players say they cherish their three-year stay at the Free State-based club.

Mkwandawire, who had a great season playing 28 of the team’s 32 games last season, said the three seasons at the club have helped him get great exposure.

Ngwira and Mkandawire joined Carara Kicks in 2009 from Escom United and Bullets FC respectively alongside striker Atusaye Nyondo.

Nyondo left Kicks to join PSL giants SuperSport United last summer after he won the NFD Top Goalscorer Award in the 2010/2011 season.