Tigers rebuff Nomads, BB over U-20 star
Azam Tigers have rebuffed Mighty Wanderers and Big Bullets’ advances on their Under-20 midfield gem Isaac Kaliati.
The transfer window closes tomorrow [Thursday] and teams have stepped up the drive to strengthen their squads.
Both Wanderers FC chairperson George Chamangwana and Bullets general secretary Harold Fote claimed they were on the verge of signing the Kau Kau hot cake.
Apparently, when Chamangwana was told that their rivals were also chasing the same player, he said: “His heart is at Wanderers, he wants to play for Nomads, but we are yet to formalise the process.”
On the other hand, Fote said: “We are aware of Wanderers’ interest, but we are already a step ahead of them because we have held preliminary discussions with both Tigers and the player.”
But Tigers technical director Robin Alufandika on Wednesday said Kaliati is going nowhere.
“He is not for sale and we are not their nursery team. We are building a team that can fight for honours and, therefore, we cannot afford to lose players of Kaliati’s calibre,” said Alufandika.
And the player himself rebuffed both teams in a separate interview.
“Bullets did approach me, but as for Wanderers, they sent agents.
“My position is that for this season, I will remain at Tigers. I have no plans to join any other team, not for now,” said Kaliati.
Kaliati scored the first goal when the Junior Flames beat Congo DR 2-0 away to seal their qualification into the third and last round of the Africa Youth Championship qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Bullets have lost another bid to sign Epac FC hitman Jaffalie Chande who has decided to join Silver Strikers.
Fote confirmed that they had revived their bid for Chande, which fell through, at the start of the season.
But Epac spokesperson Roy Mdechi and Silver’s GS Mike Tembo said they are set to complete the player’s transfer today.
The Bankers are also reported to be on the verge of signing their former winger Peter Wadabwa, who has been without a club, since his contract with South African National First Division side Blackburn Rovers expired last season.
