Mighty Wanderers have to dispatch former Malawi Under-17 captain Luka Milanzi back to Tout Puissant (TP) Mazembe after the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) club put preconditions on his loan release.
Wanderers general secretary Mike Butao yesterday said they are awaiting Mazembe’s reply to a loan request for Milanzi who spearheaded Malawi’s attack at the 2009 Africa Youth Championship in Algeria and the subsequent World Youth Cup in Nigeria.
“Unofficially, Mazembe say we need to send him back for the transfer to be processed from there as they regard him absent without leave (Awol). We, however, take care of him like the rest of players. We think that if signed, he could be our key man in attack,” said Butao about Milanzi who has trained with Wanderers for two months.
Milanzi, who scooped the 2010 TNM Super League Golden Boot Award, yesterday insisted he would return to the Lubumbashi side to speed up his loan transfer to the Nomads.
“I am just waiting for Wanderers to give me transport money. I believe it will be easier seeking the clearance from there as they are refusing my release due to my absence,” said the former Escom United player.
The versatile and quick-heeled attacker is tied to Mazembe with four years remaining on his contract.
Fanuel Nkhono, chairperson of Kabula United, formerly Escom, yesterday confirmed Mazembe’s stance communicated through their Zambia agent Andre Mtine asking for the player’s return.
Milanzi is not assured of game time at Mazembe where even highly rated compatriot Joseph Kamwendo, admittedly, is yet to cement a regular position.
Milanzi spent two seasons with Mazembe Under-20 side as he was deemed under-age. Mazembe’s quota for foreigners also seems exhausted as they signed Zimbabwean midfielder Ali Sadiki from Platinum FC last week.
