Idana back from South Africa trials
Malawi Flames midfielder Chimwemwe Idana is back from South Africa where he underwent successful two-week trials at DStv Premiership outfit Sekhukhune United FC.
However, the club’s quota is full and the 2021 TNM Super League Player of the Season can only be signed in July transfer window.
Player intermediary Felix Sapao, who facilitated the trials, confirmed the development.
He said: “Idana was in South Africa from January 22 to February 2. He was invited to go for an assessment at Sekhukhune United with Francisco Madinga and the Mozambican international Amancio Canhemba.
“The exercise was to have a look at the players with a possibility of signing them in July for the 2023/24 season.
“Currently, the team is doing well and has a full foreign quota plus the coach does not want to disturb the balance of the team with new signings having just signed Kamohelo Mokotjo from English Premierhsip side Brentford.
“There is a request for both Madinga and Idana to return in July. Ideally, Sekhukhune is already in talks with Jwaneng Galaxy for Madinga.”
Sapao said efforts to create space for Idana at Sekhukhune failed.
He said: “Attempts were made to create space for him now, but contract termination could not be achieved, as several factors had to be looked at.
“It was going to be difficult for the player released to get a new club because of time. Unless he was released earlier before the closure of the transfer window.”
Sapao also said the ball is in Idana’s court on what to do between now and July.
Idana’s manager Dave Matemba also refused to comment on the player’s future.
Meanwhile, Idana is conspicuously missing on the list of Flames local players who are expected to go into camp tomorrow in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt.
Flames coach Maria Marinica confirmed that Idana, who dumped Nyasa Big Bullets after failing to agree on a new contract terms, was left out as it was envisaged that he would sign for the South African club.
Moyale Barracks’ Llyod Njaliwa has also been left out as he is in Mozambique undergoing trials at Costa dol Sol.
The club’s general secretary Mike Chimwala said: “Yes, that’s true. Our captain left for Mozambique where he is expected Costa dol Sol.”
