Muhammad Sulumba off to Vietnam
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers striker Muhammad Sulumba is in Vietnam for two-week trials at top flight side Hoang Anh Gia Lai.
This means Sulumba will miss Saturday’s Airtel Top 8 Cup final between his team and bitter rivals Nyasa Big Bullets at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
He was supposed to travel to the Asian country with Civil Service United defender–cum midfielder Bashir Maunde, who failed to make the trip due to logistical challenges.
Some Wanderers officials, who opted for anonymity, confirmed the development, saying he left with the club’s blessings.
’’We wish him well during the trials. We are optimistic that he will succeed. He has our blessings,’’ they said.
This was after the Nomads’ board secretary Chancy Gondwe and commercialisation chairperson Clement Stambuli failed to pick our calls.
Sulumba had a good season with Wanderers, finishing second in the TNM Super League golden boot race with 15 goals, just three short of winner Babatunde Adepoju.
Former Malawi National Football Team and Wanderers attacking midfielder Sherry Msuku said Sulumba is capable of making the grade in Vietnam.
“He is a good player and I am sure he will clinch a deal,’’ Msuku said.
Sulumba rejoined Wanderers after spells at Polokwane City in South Africa, Bullets and Civil. He made his name while playing for defunct Blantyre United.
Hoang are sixth on the Vietnamese League’s log table with 32 points from 24 matches, 15 points behind leaders Hanoi.
Vietnam’s national football team is 96th on Fifa rankings, with 84 as its best ranking while 172 was its worst.
The team beat Philippines 1-0 in a friendly played on Wednesday. It also edged German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in another friendly on November 30.
