Wanderers extend contracts for 5 players

Mighty Mukuru Wanderers have successfully negotiated contract extensions for five key players, barely days after failing to agree terms with top-notch midfielder Yamikani Chester.

In an interview on Monday, Wanderers company and board secretary Chancy Gondwe said the five are defender Stanley Sanudi, midfielders Alfred Manyozo Jnr, Wisdom Mpinganjira, Isaac Kaliyati and Vitumbiko Kumwenda.

He said: “We are happy that the negotiations went on well. Sanudi, Kaliyati and Vitumbiko’s contracts have been extended by three years, two years for Mpinganjira and a year for team captain Manyozo Jnr.

On his part, the club’s spokesperson Clement Stambuli said: “All the five players simply took up the offers and accepted as presented which means they were satisfied with what they were offered.”

In separate interviews on Monday, Sanudi, Manyozo and Kumwenda confirmed reaching an agreement with the club to extend their stay at Lali Lubani Road.

Said Sanudi: “I had fruitful discussions with the board and I accepted their offer for a three-year extension and what remains is to sign the contract.”

On his part, Kumwenda said: “Yes, I have committed another three years to the club and I look forward to a successful stint.”

Nomads coach Mark Harrison, who doubles as technical director, described the development as good news.

He said: “It’s good news that they are staying, they are good players. Obviously, with the additions, we have created a decent and strong squad.

“I am hoping that if we can get things aright on the training field, we can be in a position to push hard next year. There are no guarantees in football, but we have given ourselves a platform to work with now and get better.”

The Nomads have roped in five new players namely winger Gaddie Chirwa from Blue Eagles, goalkeeper Dalitso Khungwa and defender Emmanuel Nyirenda from Mighty Waka-Waka Tigers, midfielder Mphatso Kamanga from Karonga United and striker Christopher Kumwembe from Civil Service United.