Mkwate back after failing to be cleared

Flames midfielder Mike Mkwate is back at Nyasa Big Bullets after Fifa rejected his late application for an international transfer certificate (ITC) to join South Africa outfit Polokwane City FC.

The GladAfrica Championship club signed the 23-year-old from Bullets at K18 million in February, but missed the South Africa transfer deadline on February 28.

The club tried to use a special clearance with Fifa, but Football Association of Malawi (FAM) player transfer matching system manager Casper Jangale yesterday confirmed this did not work.

He said: “Polokwane failed to get the clearance for Mkwate. They tried to use other means, but it did not work.

“He can only be transferred in June when the window reopens. Like I always say, there are no shortcuts. Once the transfer window is closed, a player cannot move under any circumstances. It’s a regulation.”

In a separate interview, Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga confirmed that the player has returned to the People’s Team after failing to get an ITC.

However, he could not explain the condition for the players’ return

But Jangale said since the player’s ITC was not processed, his status has not changed in the transfer matching system (TMS).

Meanwhile, soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda said the player should be patient as he has potential clinch a better deal if this one fails.

He said: “Let him take heart. He is still young and a skilful player capable of even clinching a deal with European clubs.”