Be Forward Wanderers unveil Lucky Malata
Big-spending Be Forward Wanderers have made hard-tackling defender Lucky Malata their first catch in the transfer window after unveiling the former Silver Strikers captain in Blantyre yesterday.
Despite posting pictures on their Facebook page, Wanderers officials were elusive yesterday when asked to confirm the signing of the on-and-off Flames’ sweeper.
Voted TNM Super League’s Best Defender for the 2016 season, Malata has joined Wanderers as a free agent after Silver failed to meet his K5 million signing-on-fee demand for a new deal.
It is reported that Wanderers have signed Malata on a three-year deal at a signing on fee of K3.5 million.
Malata, who is strong in the air and has wonderful work ethic, can, on a bad day, mess it up with own goals.
He will compete in the heart of Wanderers’ defence alongside Harry Nyirenda, Foster Namwela, Kondwani Lufeyo and Boston Kabango. Wanderers are likely to, as usual, off-load some players.
Wanderers are also reportedly targetting Azam Tigers’ captain, Yamikani Chester, amid reports that he had signed a pre-contract with the Nomads.
However, Tigers’ Chairperson, Sydney Chikoti, yesterday insisted that they had not received an offer for Chester, who has one more year remaining on his contract.
“However, our policy has not changed. We do not stand in the way of players if they wish to join other teams” Chikoti said.
Wanderers have not confirmed the signing of Chester. The Nomads’ General Secretary, Mike Butao, last week said the Yasin Osman-led coaching panel had recommended a squad of 25 senior players plus five semi-seniors.
Wanderers want to mount a serious TNM Super League title challenge next season having failed to win the championship since 2006 when Zimbabwean Rahman Gumbo claimed the crown.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
