Big Bullets, Nomads fight for Patrick Phiri
Domestic football giants, Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers, are reportedly battling for the signature of Premier Bet Wizards’ star striker, Patrick Phiri, as they look to add fire-power upfront.
Wizards Technical Director and owner, Peter Mponda, Tuesday confirmed that several clubs, including the two giants, are monitoring the talented forward.
“It is true that Bullets and Wanderers want him. It is too early for me to say which team has the better chances of signing him, because there is also a foreign club that is interested in his services,” said Mponda, whose side was relegated from the Super League in the just-ended season.
He added that Phiri, before signing for a local team, would hold out for the prospect of attending trials with a foreign team.
Phiri impressed when he scored two goals in three games for the Malawi under-20 national football team at the Cosafa Junior Championship held in Kitwe, Zambia last month.
Reports emerged in Zambia that teams, including from the neighbouring country, were interested in Phiri, Mike Mkwate, Chimwemwe Idana and Peter Banda.
“I am still waiting for communication from a Qatari club but if nothing happens by Wednesday [today], I will let the boy join a local team,” Mponda added.
Wanderers Team Manager, Steve Madeira, and Bullets interim General Secretary, Albert Chigoga, yesterday were reluctant to confirm their interest in Phiri.
“We are making advances on some players but because the transfer market is sensitive, we will remain quiet until all the deals are completed,” Chigoga said.
Bullets are also interested in signing Civil Sporting Club attacking midfielder Righteous Banda and Mzuni midfielder Lazarus Nyemera.
Wanderers have, so far, signed Dennis Chembezi and Mischeck Botoman and Niyikiza Aimable from Wizards, alongside William Thole, Peter Cholopi and Dan Kumwenda from Azam Tigers.
The transfer of Blessings Tembo from Silver Strikers to Wanderers is complicated as the player has made a U-turn on a three-year contract he penned with the Nomads.
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