Eagles soften up on ‘CJ’s SA club offer

Malawi Police Service (MPS) outfit Blue Eagles say they are ready to release Flames captain John ‘CJ’ Banda to join South Africa National First Division side TS Sporting FC.

This follows the South African club’s renewed interest to lure the midfielder who is currently on loan to UD Songo of Mozambique.

Last year, the South African club almost signed CJ Banda, but the deal did not materialise after Eagles turned down TS Sporting’s offer.

“As a parent club, we turned down the offer on the basis that CJ is a good and experienced player who should be playing in a top league and not second-tier South African league,” said Eagles chairperson Alexander Ngwala.

However, yesterday he said they were now ready to listen to TS Sporting’s offer.

“This time I will allow him to go,” said Ngwala.

Asked why the change of heart, the Eagles chairperson said the club had put the welfare of the player at heart.

CJ and compatriots, his brother Frank and Schumacher Kuwali are currently back in the country after Songo released them following the Mocambola League’s failure to kick off due to coronavirus.

The midfielder yesterday confirmed that the South African club had offered him a new deal, but said he was yet to make a decision.

“I am contracted to Eagles until 2021, but on loan to UD Songo. The loan deal expires in December but TS Sporting want me in June, he said.

Based in Zwelisha, near Mbombela, Mpumalanga, TS Sporting was created in 2016 when Mbombela-based lawyers purchased a Regional League licence from Barberton City Stars following City Stars’ relegation from the Second Division.

TS Sporting were promoted from the Regional League in 2017 via playoffs and the National First Division in 2018.