Lauren Ngwira’s Kukoma transfer goes sour
Kukoma Diamonds have hit a snag in their quest to sign all-rounder Lauren Ngwira from Tigresses Netball Club following reports that she cannot be sold.
Diamonds General Secretary, Chimwemwe Bakali, confirmed the development at Blantyre Youth Centre on Saturday morning when the team’s officials and a delegation from their sponsor, Capital Oil Refining Industries (Cori), met the players.
“We met formally to discuss our goals this season and we were assuring the players that we will maintain them. We also outlined our plans to beef up the squad with two experienced players, including Lauren Ngwira. However, we seem to be facing obstacles since our counterparts have indicated that she signed a four-year contract and she cannot be sold,” he said.
Bakali said Diamonds’ Executive Committee would discuss on how to tackle the issue as players were also free to switch sides.
“Since we are communicating with Tigresses, I cannot pre-empt more. We need to see the way forward. We have the assurance from the sponsor that we can sign any player of our choice,” he said.
Cori Sponsorship Coordinator, Violet Kapolo, said they were following Ngwira’s issue with keen interest.
“We want our team to remain a force to reckon with. The officials have been briefing us on what is happening on the ground, especially on possible transfers. Our little understanding of the game is that a player can be sold if the valuation is met. Signing a long-term contract is not enough [reason] to force a player to stay,” he said.
Tigresses Team Manager, Helene Mpinganjira – Tasosa, confirmed rejecting Diamonds’ request for transfer discussions.
“We answered them that we cannot discuss the transfer because we are outside the transfer window. Besides, she is still contracted to us for four years,” he said.
Ngwira refused to comment.
Last year, Ngwira was also the subject of a failed transfer to Alliance Capital Stars on similar grounds.
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