No regrets on Idana —Bullets

Nyasa Big Bullets say they have given up on convincing their playmaker Chimwemwe ‘Gattuso’  Idana on signing a new deal after weeks of negotiations.

The People’s Team yesterday issued a statement confirming that the 2021 TNM Super League Player of the Season’s departure with immediate effect after failing to agree on contract extension terms.

According to a statement issued by the People’s Team yesterday, the midfield workhorse’s current deal expires on February 21 this year.

“We wish Idana all the best for the future and thank him for his contributions to the club,” reads the statement in part.

In an interview yesterday, Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said they have no regrets over their failure to convince the player to stay put.

He said: “We have had several discussions already and that is why we have come to this point.”

Chigoga also said the club does not regret parting ways with the midfielder, who was the backbone of the team.

He said: “Not at all. That is why we have wished him well in his career as well as thanking him for his contributions.”

On whether this was a tactic to lure the player into softening up as was the case with their rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers’ issue with their star player Yamikani Chester, Chigoga said: “Bullets does smart business all the time. Mind games are restricted to the pitch.”

Contacted for comment, Idana referred The Nation to his manager Dave Matemba, who described Bullets’ decision as normal.

However, he declined to comment on the way forward.

“For now, let’s live it like that,” Matemba said.

Idana joined the People’s Team through the reserve side in 2017 before earning his promotion to the first team during the 2018/19 season.

While reports on social media indicate that Idana was demanding K8 million as signing-on fee, a source close to the negotiations said the player wanted K4 million for the same and a K600 000 monthly salary.

During his stay at Bullets, Idana won two Charity Shields, four TNM Super League titles, the Airtel Top 8 Cup and the FDH Bank Cup.