Flames defender Lucky Malata has rejoined Be Forward Wanderers after apologising to the club’s management over his conduct towards the end of his contract.
Both his manager, Paul Kamanga and Wanderers General Secretary, Victor Maunde, confirmed the development saying Nomads executive committee and coaching panel deliberated whether it was necessary to welcome back the player.
Kamanga admitted that his players needs to work on his attitude.
“Lucky must change and work on his attitude. We are so grateful to Wanderers for giving him another chance to prove himself what he is made of at the club,” he said.
Maunde said the issue was now water under the bridge.
“Everything is now sorted. We believe he will work extra hard to keep his place in the team. He must also win the coaches’ trust again,” he said.
The development comes as a relief to the defender whose quest to return to Silver Strikers ended in frustration as new Bankers’ Coach, Daniel Kabwe is against resigning the club’s former players.
The setback forced Malata to ask for forgiveness a Wanderers.
Initially, Wanderers were unwilling to meet the players’ demands to extend his contract which expired this month.
The Nomads released Malata alongside strikers Zicco Mkanda and Peter Katsonga whose contracts will expire soon.
Meanwhile, Maunde said Malata’s return will help the side have healthy competition following the arrival of defender Lughano Kayira from Mzuzu Warriors (formerly Mzuni).
“We have Lughano who is equally good both in the air and on the ground and we also have Peter Cholopi and Bongani Kayipa who can also play in all positions in defence, so the coming in of Malata gives us more options at the back,” Maunde said.
Wanderers Assistant Coach, Oscar Kauda, who manages the senior side, welcomed the player back saying he was only hoping for good form from the player following the transfer controversy.
“I am convinced Lucky will come back a changed man. A lot has been said about his attitude and we hope he has learnt something from all what happened,” he said.
Last season, Malata featured sparingly due to injuries.
Peter Fote is a Sports Journalist with huge experience in radio and Television reporting, production and presentation. He once worked with Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and is currently working for Times Media Group.