Escom, Chiukepo, in contractual dispute

A contractual dispute has erupted between Escom United and their player Chiukepo Msowoya.

The misunderstanding could affect Chiukepo’s prospective move to Mozambican national champions Maxaquene who have offered him an outright two-year deal.

While Escom chairperson Fanuel Nkhono claims Chiukepo is contracted with his side, broker of the Mozambican deal James Nelito Pondomale of Intersport Mozambique says the player claims to be a free agent.

Nkhono said they have made an offer to Maxaquene through the agent.

And while Nkhono could not be drawn to disclose how much they are asking for, The Nation findings are that Escom want $40 000 [about K14.2 million] for the player.

“I cannot disclose the figures, but we made an offer to Maxaquene through Pondomale and we are waiting to hear from them.

“Chiukepo is not a free agent. He is contracted with us. We agreed on a fee and if they are changing tune now, then we will close the door on them,” said Nkhono.

But Pondomale insisted that Chiukepo claims to be a free agent.

“He told me that the agreement with Escom upon termination of his contract with South African club Orlando Pirates was just to help them until end of the season. In other words, the player claims he is a free agent and, therefore, Escom cannot lay claim on him.

“But apparently Mr. Nkhono says Chiukepo is contracted with them and they are demanding transfer fee from Maxaquene and we do not know which is which,” explained Pondomale.

He said the Mozambican club is ready to send Chiukepo’s air ticket.

“They want him to travel to Maputo by Wednesday to sign the contract, but the drawback could the latest controversy,” said Pondomale.

Chiukepo could not be reached for comment on Monday.