Mighty Wanderers risk losing key players
Mighty Wanderers risk losing players, including nine in the first team, following lack of funds to tie them down to long term deals.
Some of the players, who are feared to be out of contract by the end of this year, include Alfred Manyozo Jnr, Isaac Kaliati, Stanley Sanudi, Ted Sumani, Yunus Sherrif, Francis Mlimbika, Lucky Malata, Wisdom Mpinganjira, Bongani Kaipa, Simion Singa, Hamkey Machira, Aubrey Maloya, Juma Yatina, Peter Wadabwa, Mike Kaziputa and goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa.
Sources indicated that Wanderers need about K30 million to tie down the players to long term contracts and also pay debts in signing-on-fees.
In a letter, which we have in our possession, Wanderers acting Chief Executive Officer Chancy Gondwe has written to the team’s board to act on the matter urgently.
“As per our several discussions regarding the issue above, I would like to report that the issue of players’ contracts has now reached a scary stage. You will notice that our key players are no longer committed to the team.
“I therefore seek your indulgence to intervene and lobby the board to treat this as a matter of utmost urgency before we get a mass exodus.
Already there are strong rumours that rival teams have started negotiations with our players,” reads part of the letter, dated 8th October 2021.
“As you can see above and in the attachment, we have a risk of losing the majority of our key players. Management feels helpless and needs your organised intervention. This issue has been outstanding since the board was put in place. We submitted a report about our agreements with all the players in question and we are still waiting for feedback.”
Wanderers acting Public Affairs Manager Ernest Maganga asked for more time to confirm the actual amount that the team owes the players.
However, Maganga confirmed that the matter was being handled at a higher level.
“It is an urgent matter that has been left to the board to decide. As management we are only waiting for their response,” Maganga said.
One of Wanderers’ senior players, who did not want to be mentioned, confirmed that the team owes players millions.
“It is true that most of us are owed money. It is also true that most of our contracts will expire in December,” he said.
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.
