Cosmos want lanky striker Simkonda
Fallen South African giants Jomo Cosmos could pull a fast one on Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Bloemfontein Celtic in the chase to sign Flames and Moyale Barracks lanky forward Gastin Simkonda.
Simkonda recently underwent week-long trials at Celtic and is awaiting results, but in a dramatic turn of events, Cosmos, who now play in the National First Division (NFD), have expressed interest to sign him outright.
Cosmos owner and coach Jomo Sono on Monday confirmed instructing his local agent Ben Chiwaya to make an offer to Moyale.
“You can check with Ben, I have instructed him to start the process immediately,” said Sono in a telephone interview from Johannesburg.
Chiwaya said he has already approached Moyale.
“I have already expressed our intention to sign Gastin through one of their [Moyale] officials Kazizwa Banda. At Celtic, he went for trials, but we want to seal the deal outright and the cheque book is ready,” said Chiwaya.
Banda could not be reached for comment, but Malawi Defence Force (MDF) sports officer John Kaputa said they can only enter into negotiations with Cosmos after getting results of his trials at Celtic.
“We are not aware of Cosmos’ interest. What I can say is that we got a letter from Celtic requesting us to release Gastin for trials and we sought the approval of the Army Commander [Henry Odillo],” said Kaputa.
Simkonda could not be reached for his comment on Monday as he was in transit with the Flames from Lusaka to Kitwe where they are scheduled to play their Cosafa Cup plate semi-final match against Angola this afternoon.
