Mpinganjira nods to Nomads’ offer

Business magnate Thomson Mpinganjira has accepted to become the sole shareholder of Mighty Wanderers Company (2021) Limited, owners of Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC.

The company’s immediate-past board, which was dissolved on Thursday evening, last year vested 100 percent shares in the philanthropist who is also the club’s president.

The development makes him the owner of the company.

In an interview yesterday, Mpinganjira confirmed having accepted the offer, saying at present, he is the sole shareholder, “but we are trying to bring in more shareholders”.

Speaking in an interview before the dissolution of the board, former board secretary and legal adviser Chancy Gondwe confirmed that the club’s president was indeed offered 100 percent shares.

He said: “The offer was made last year with the view that upon his acceptance, he would get all the shares or release other shares.

“He is holding the shares on trust on behalf of the team’s stakeholders. The offer was made in recognition of his financial injection into the team both before and after the incorporation, having pumped in billions of kwacha.

“We had been engaging him since last year to consider taking the offer, but he was yet to decide. It is, therefore, pleasing to hear that he has accepted.”

Gondwe also confirmed the board’s dissolution, saying: “I received my letter yesterday [Thursday]. We serve at the pleasure of the shareholders.

“I shall always cherish the time I served in the board and shall always remain grateful.”

On his part, the club’s main supporters committee chairperson Dinesi Chitsulo said they are happy that Mpinganjira has accepted to become the sole shareholder.

He said: “You will recall that before the board took up the matter with the president [Mpinganjira], it was us supporters who asked him to consider taking over the ownership of the club and we even followed the due process by involving the regional and zonal committees.

“He has  all our support and in him we see a saviour because he never fails in anything he does. Our hope is that the people he will appoint [into the board] will help him run the team effectively.”

The club’s supporters committee adviser Anthony Nyasulu said: “This is the news that we were waiting for all this time. Dr Mpinganjira has passion and highly ambitious plans for the team and only under him can the club realise its dream of becoming a fully-fledged commercial entity.” 

A statement on the dissolution of the board issued on Thursday,  signed by Mpinganjira, said the decision followed “an ordinary resolution by the company’s majority shareholders”.

Apart from Mpinganjira and Gondwe, other board members were Clement Stambuli, Mervis Mangulenje, Humphrey Mvula, Limbani Magomero, Chris Gondwe and Ulemu Chilapondwa.

Mpinganjira was appointed the club’s president and board chairperson in July 2021 and cleared all the debts the team had, including players’ outstanding bonuses and clubhouse city rates.