Why Ng’ambi must stay

Robert Ng’ambi, the Roberto Baggio of Malawi football, must resist hot rands and wicked temptations of South Africa Premier Soccer League (PSL) big spenders and aim at finishing his career with current employers Platinum Stars.
With the January transfer window on the bend, giants such as Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns will try to lure Ng’ambi with their fat cheque books.
Stars coach Allan Freese is afraid of losing the creative midfielder whose legs and brains have translated into Telkom Knockout Trophy and MTN8 Cup glory this season.
If Freese is worried, Malawians must be depressed that the PSL vultures might snatch Ng’ambi, offer him millions and not football. The Flames need Ng’ambi who is active on the pitch and not in the South Africa banking halls.
Memories are fresh of how Joseph Kamwendo and Chiukepo Msowoya wasted their talent on the bench and in the terraces while at Pirates a few years ago.
It is not by accident that Ng’ambi, who was merely above average at modest Black Leopards between 2006 and 2011, is thriving at Stars.
There is stability and continuity in coaching and playing personnel at Stars, thereby creating a conducive environment for him to live up to his huge potential.
Ng’ambi is very technical, he never wastes time showboating.
He is a quick passer of the ball with loads of split vision, awareness and technique that makes every pass and run look easy due to his simplicity, which is his ultimate sophistication.
Stars’ direct and simple brand of football suits Ng’ambi. Rush for quick results mean that most PSL top dogs lack proper football identity.
At his age (27) and stage of his career, Ng’ambi needs more action on the pitch.
Eight years of playing football in South Africa is enough for the Flames midfielder to have made his fortune. He must now aim at playing for loyalty which could guarantee him future prospects after retiring.
Ng’ambi must emulate countryman John Maduka who is reaping the fruits of his loyalty at Bloemfontein Celtic where he works as team manager. n