Grant blames strange illness for Leopards exit

In depends on which version you believe in, but Grant Lungu claims his exit from South African Premier League side Black Leopards is due to a strange illness not a dip in form.

“I suffer from a strange illness whenever I am in South Africa. Its symptoms include dizziness. Doctors cannot detect it. I do not experience this in Malawi,” claimed Lungu on Sunday. He returned home last Monday.

The former Big Bullets striker arrived weeks after news about Leopards’ decision to axe him hit headlines. The South Africa team’s local agent Kondie Msungama told The Nation that the striker was released because of form.

However, Lungu insisted that Leopards chairperson David Thidiela recommended his return as the illness was affecting his career.

“They handed me a temporary clearance that enables me to play while waiting for a possible return to Leopards in June. I have a year and half remaining on my contract with them and they are yet to meet some of the financial obligations,” he claimed, hinting that he might rejoin Big Bullets this week for training.

But on their www.blackleopardsfc.com, the South Africa side on January 24 wrote: “Black Leopards have decided to release Grant Lungu from the team. The 25-year-old Malawi born striker will now be a free agent (as he has parted ways with the team).”

Bullets vice-general secretary Higger Mkandawire said he was unaware of Lungu’s return “and if he wants to re-launch his career at Bullets even though the final decision rests with coach Eddington Ngonamo.”

Lungu’s uncle, Bullets legend Mabvuto Lungu, said while he might sit down with his nephew, it was up to the player to decide his next port of call.