Idana settles for Tanzanian club
Former Nyasa Big Bullets midfielder Chimwemwe Idana has joined Tanzania Premier League side Mbeya City FC on a one-and-half-year contract.
This comes just two weeks after the midfielder had successful trials with South African club Sekhukune United but the deal did not materialise as the club’s foreign quota was full.
Idana joined the Tanzania club as a free agent after leaving Bullets at the end of his contract in January this year.
The midfielder was unveiled on Friday in Tanzania. However, Idana was not readily available for his comment after several attempts.
Idana has followed the footsteps of some Malawian players who played for the club including goalkeeper Owen Chaima and defender Sankhani Mkandawire.
Mkandawire, who played with Idana at Bullets, before he moved to Blue Eagles said Mbeya are one of the biggest clubs in Tanzania.
“It is a good move for him. I am sure he will enjoy playing football in Tanzania. I wish him all the best,” Mkandawire said. Former Flames coach Kinnah Phiri also coached the club three years ago.
The 2021 TNM Super League Player of the Season also attracted interest from some of the local teams including Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Silver Strikers.
Sports analyst Parry Chinyama said Idana was desperate to play for a club outside Malawi.
“Mbeya, in terms of finances, they are slightly better than local clubs,” Chinyama said.
Idana is expected to be part of the Flames squad to face Egypt in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.
