Domestic giants FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers are battling to stop player exodus after some of their stars are linked with moves away from the club.
This comes as the two giants have failed to agree contract extensions with some of the key players.
Bullets could lose captain Gomezgani Chirwa and utility defender Nickson Nyasulu after the pair sneaked out to Zimbabwe for trials at FC Platinum.
Chirwa and Nyasulu will become free agents next month.
- Advertisement -
Another defender Alick Lungu is also reportedly yet to sign a new contract at the club.
- Advertisement -
Bullets Chief Executive Officer Albert Chigoga confirmed that both Chirwa and Nyasulu were yet to sign new deals.
But Chigoga said despite the pair being in the final stages of their respective contracts, they do not have leeway to move out of the country without the blessings of the club.
“These trips are not sanctioned by the club. I do not want us to speculate anything at this stage. Whoever signs them will seek our clearance,’’ Chigoga said.
Versatile player Precious Phiri is also reportedly in Zimbabwe for trials.
- Advertisement -
Chigoga downplayed the imminent departure of Phiri but questioned the conduct of the players.
“These are senior players. Some of them are at their advanced playing age. We expect such players to know what is best for their career at this stage.
“As for Precious Phiri, he is on the transfer list so we have no problem with what he has done,” Chigoga said.
Bullets, who have roped in former Silver Strikers coach Peter Mponda, are also expected to release some players before the start of the season.
Striker Babatunde Adepoju is expected to return to his parent club Venda FC after the expiry of his loan deal.
The Airtel Top 8 winners are linked with several players in the ongoing player transfer window.
On the other hand, Wanderers are on the verge of losing first choice goalkeeper William Thole for free as he is yet to commit his future to the club.
Striker Vincent Nyangulu, Vitumbiko Kumwenda, Misheck Bottoman and Peter Cholopi have also been linked with moves away from the club.
Wanderers Chief Executive Officer Panganeni Ndovi was not readily available Sunday. But he told our sister paper Malawi News that Thole is yet to sign a deal.
Sports analyst Parry Chinyama said the situation at both Bullets and Wanderers should be a wake-up call.
“It is strange that the big clubs failed to entice the players to sign contract extension. It shows there is a problem,’’ Chinyama said.
Wanderers are also expected to release some of the players before the season starts. The club has already signed striker Promise Kamwendo on a three-year contract.
