Nomads wait in the wings for Chiukepo

Be Forward Wanderers have confirmed their interest to rope in their arch-rivals—Big Bullets’ hitman Chiukepo Msowoya.

Chiukepo was in South Africa for trials at Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Bloemfontein Celtic.

The Nomads’ team manager Steve Madeira yesterday confirmed their interest in the player, but denied suggestions that it is in retaliation to Bullets’ move to sign their former talisman Muhammad Sulumba who was on loan from Blantyre United.

“The interest in Chiukepo has not come about because of Bullets’ move to sign Sulumba.

“In fact, we had preliminary discussions with the player’s agent even before Bullets announced Sulumba’s signing,” said Madeira.

The Nomads team manager said they shelved Chiukepo’s talks following his trip to South Africa.

“We understand he [Chiukepo] will be back by Thursday and in the event that he is not successful, we will continue from where we stopped.

“There is nothing sinister or secret about this. He is a good player. He was the joint top scorer last season and he is the kind of striker every team would love to have in their team. So, there should be no fuss,” he said.

Moyo confirmed having heard of Wanderers’ interest in the player.

“We are aware of that, but we cannot say anything at this stage because there is nothing official. In the absence of any official communication, we take it as a rumour.

“I can also confirm that he [Chiukepo] is coming back tomorrow [today], but we are yet to be informed about the results of his trials,” said the Bullets vice-GS.

Chiukepo could not be reached for comment yesterday, but he recently told MIJ FM Radio that he has no plans of switching from Bullets to another local club.

Apart from winning the Golden Boot Award with 14 goals alongside Red Lions’ Innocent Bokosi, Chiukepo was also named the flagship league Player of the Season .