Malawian players are in a race against time to complete deals with foreign clubs in the countdown to Monday’s January international transfer window deadline.
So far, former FCB Nyasa Bullets utility player Precious Phiri, Creck Sporting Club striker Muhammad Sulumba and former Silver Strikers forward Atusaye Nyondo have managed to clinch deals.
Nyondo was the first to join South Africa’s Motsepe Foundation Championship side Casric Stars FC last week after completing his transfer following the expiry of his contract at Silver on December 31.
Sulumba followed shortly as he headed to Libya to join Al Nasr Zliten before Zimbabwe Premier League outfit Platinum FC also requested international transfer certificate (ITC) for Phiri.
As of yesterday, Gomezgani Chirwa and Nickson Nyasulu, who dumped Bullets as well as Vincent Nyangulu formerly of Mighty Wanderers, were still hoping to get deals with Platinum FC.
Another former Wanderers goalkeeper William Thole, who also refused to renew his contract with the Lali Lubani Road side, is hoping to join JDR Stars of Motsepe Foundation Championship.
On his part, Blue Eagles goalkeeper Brighton Munthali isalso been linked with Zambian clubs, but so far nothing has come out yet.
Football Association of Malawi competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka confirmed that they have cleared three players.
“So far, three players have joined foreign clubs. We have issued an ITC for Precious [Phiri], [Muhammad] Sulumba and Atusaye [Nyondo] after getting requests from their clubs,” he said.
Phiri in an interview said he was looking forward to a new challenge at Platinum Stars.
“It’s another chance to chase my dreams,” he said.
Meanwhile, Platinum Stars coach Norman Mapenza has justified taking his time before signing the Malawian players.
“For national team players, it is easy for you to assess them through the national team games,” he was quoted by the club’s media as having said.
“But for other players, you need more time to take a look at them.”
