The much-anticipated departure of three Flames players Lawrence Chaziya, Lanjesi Nkhoma and Patrick Mwaungulu to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) side Tout Puissant (TP) Mazembe has been delayed due to logistical arrangements, Times Sport has learnt.
The three were scheduled to travel to Lubumbashi, DRC, last weekend to undergo a medical but they failed to fly out due to visa processes and the unavailability of Mazembe medical personnel.
Mazembe’s local representative Felix Ngamanya Sapao Mazembe said the three players would travel to Lubumbashi either on July 12 or 13, when the team’s medical staff are expected back in office.
“To do medicals, you need technical staff; that is, the team doctor and physio [physiotherapist], to be available. So those people are on leave until the 10th of July. If we are going to travel, nothing will happen.
“Even though the visa applications have been made and that is one delay, but we still have to wait until the 10th of July when medical staff for Mazembe are back in office to conduct the medicals. We cannot disturb their holiday and they have just finished the season about two weeks ago. They [Flames trio] will travel in July, most probably on 12 or 13.
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Ironically, reports suggest that Mazembe has already agreed transfer fees with the trios clubs as Mighty Mukuru Wanderers pegged Chaziya at around K45 million while their rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are demanding K100 million for Mwaungulu and K70 million for Nkhoma.
However, the three could leave any day this week once they acquire their visas.
Wanderers Chief Executive Officer Panganeni Ndovi confirmed the development, saying TP Mazembe were handling the travel logistics.
“It is no longer in our hands; TP Mazembe are the ones doing the travel logistics for our defender and, if all goes well, he will leave any day this week,” Ndovi said.
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Bullets Chief Administration Officer Albert Chigoga echoed the sentiments in a separate interview.
“The players needed visas to fly to DRC and all their travel arrangements are being handled by our counterparts. We hope everything will be finalised this week,” Chigoga said.
The five-time African champions are no strangers to signing Malawian players.
Former Flames captain Joseph Kamwendo and striker Luke Milanzi played for the Lubumbashi-based side.
Mazembe knocked Bullets out of the Caf Champions League following a 5-0 win on aggregate in the second preliminary round last year.
