Escom rejects BB’s K1m cheque

Escom United have turned down a K1 million (about $3 030) cheque from Big Bullets that was meant to be down payment for Chimango Kaira, Heston Munthali and James Chilapondwa.

Bullets general secretary Higger Mkandawire confirmed at the weekend that Escom refused their K1 million cheque on the basis that it was by far on the lower side.

Mkandawire also claimed that the Electricians have accepted to extend the loan period of the three players, pending further negotiations.

“We offered Escom a K1 million ($3 030) cheque as down payment pending further negotiations, but they rejected. However, it was agreed in principle with their chairperson Mr. [Fanuel] Nkhono that the loan can be extended until we finalise the negotiations because our position remains that K6 million is still on the higher side.

“We want them to come down a bit on the basis that some of the players, such as Heston [Munthali] are heading towards the twilight of their career,” said Mkandawire.

Nkhono could not be reached for comment on Sunday, but Escom general secretary Richard Samba expressed surprise that Bullets are still using the three players.

“In as far as we are concerned, Bullets are not supposed to continue using the players because the loan period expired.

“And I do not think it is true that the loan period for the trio was extended because what I know is that we wrote Sulom a letter informing them that Bullets should not continue using the players until the transfer fee issue is sorted out.

“They [Bullets] are featuring the players illegally. I think it is time we came to the bottom of the issue,” said Samba.

The trio scored a goal each on Saturday as Bullets beat Kabwafu 3-0 in Balaka.

Escom are demanding K3.5 million (about $10 606) for Kaira, K1.5 million (about $4 545) for Munthali and K1 million for Chilapondwa.