Eagles, BT Utd rebuff Cosmos’ counter-offer

Blue Eagles and Blantyre United have rejected South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) club Jomo Cosmos’ counter-offer to sign Micium Mhone and Muhamad Sulumba respectively on loan.
Cosmos local representative Ben Chiwaya confirmed the development, but was quick to say they will buy the two players outright.

“I can confirm that the two teams turned down our counter-offer to get the players on a year-long loan deal for each, but it’s no big deal we are buying them outright and my boss Jomo Sono [Cosmos owner and coach] has instructed me to ask them to make fresh offers,” said Chiwaya yesterday.
Initially, Eagles and United made an offer of R450 000 (about K18.4 million) and R400 000 (about K16.4 million) for Mhone and Sulumba respectively.
“The initial offers were scary, our management felt they were on the higher side. So, we asked them to review the offers. We have had fruitful meetings and we are confident of concluding both deals before the season kicks off on August 8,” said Chiwaya.
The Cosmos officials also said Sono is impressed with both players, adding that they are settling down in their new Johannesburg base.
“They have moved out of the hotel they were staying and have been provided flats,” he said.
Eagles general secretary Ackis Muwanga confirmed turning down Cosmos’ counter-offer.
“They offered our player a two-year contract and yet they proposed a one-year loan deal and we felt things were not just adding up.
“So, we asked them to make a concrete offer or else we would cancel the deal altogether and they accepted. I am pleased to say we are now talking the same language and very soon we should be finalising the terms,” said Muwanga.
However, United technical director and owner Lawson Nakoma could not be reached for comment.
Mhone and Sulumba signed two and three-year contracts respectively. n