MDF not aware of Simkonda’s SA trip

The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has said it did not sanction Moyale Barracks and Flames forward Gastin Simkonda’s trip to South Africa.

Simkonda left the country for South Africa on Tuesday for talks with National First Division (NFD) side Black Leopards with the prospect of signing for them.

But MDF spokesperson lieutentant colonel Francis Kakhuta-Banda said the permission that was given to the player was to go for national team camping.

“I tried to find out from both Moyale and the Diractorate of Training and the information I got was that he is supposed to be with the national team.

“Upon his return, he will have to explain who authorised him to travel to South Africa because in the Army we have the procedures that need to be followed,” said Kakhuta-Banda.

Leoaprds’ local-based director Kondi Msungama said he will have to find out from the team’s management who they were dealing with as regards the player’s release.

“Unfortunately, I was not able to get in touch with Gastin because at the time I was arriving, he was also departing for South Africa, but what I know is that we have been keen to get him for some time and we only slowed down when we heard that he was going to Platinum Stars.

“Nevertheless, we regret any inconvinience this might have caused, it was not in any way meant to undermine the MDF and we’ll get to the bottom of the issue,” said Msungama on Wednesday.