Lanjesi in dilemma, To go Be Forward or CAF
Flames steely defender John Lanjesi is caught on the horns of dilemma; he faces a difficult decision in his burgeoning career on whether to go for the glitz of Be Forward or glamour of CAF Champions League.
The Civo United captain Lanjesi, who provided Esau Kanyenda’s second goal in Flames’ 2-0 win over Mali last month, yesterday confirmed being courted by Blantyre-based rivals Be Forward Wanderers and Big Bullets.
“Offers from both teams are irresistible. However, fulfilling promises is a challenge for most people, so I am weighing options. When at peak, you need to make the most of opportunities,” he said.
Lanjesi’s strength is his versatility, physique, pace and ability to effortlessly defend and overlap.
Having struggled last season, Wanderers are recharging after landing K70 million sponsorship from the Japanese car dealers (Be Forward) whereas Bullets want to transfer their TNM Super League championship form into the CAF Champions League. They have their first CAF fixture next February against Fomboni of Comoros Island. Both Nomads and Bullets are keen on signing the 23-year-old Lanjesi.
“Eventually, I want an offer that guarantees some security after retiring from football. I came to Blantyre last week to meet Wanderers chairperson [George Chamangwana] and today I am meeting Harold Fote [Bullets general secretary]. Thereafter, I will decide,” said Lanjesi.
Civo general secretary Rashid Ntelela on Saturday said Lanjesi told the club about the (Wanderers and Bullets) interest in him, “but I cannot state our position as I have not heard from the player, so too, BB or Wanderers”.
“We will meet on Monday [yesterday] to discuss several things, including teams that have expressed interest in our players.”
Wanderers general secretary Mike Butao on Saturday fell short of being specific when responding to a pointed question on Nomads’ approach on Lanjesi.
“These targeted players currently belong to other teams so I know better than to mention their names now. We will only do so once all formalities are finalised,” said Butao while hinting that they are eyeing a goalkeeper, two defenders, three midfielders and three strikers.
Bullets general secretary Fote, when asked about their interest in Lanjesi, yesterday said: “He is a kind of a player we would wish to have.”
Lanjesi, who is capped 22 times, claims his two-year contract at Civo ends next April. Fifa transfer regulations allow teams to talk to players of other clubs in the last six months of a contract expiring.
