BY PETER KANJERE:
Flames striker, Richard Mbulu, has rejoined Mozambican side, Costa do Sol, on a one-year contract, following the expiry of his loan deal with Portuguese lower league side, Sanjoanense Sports Association.
The exit of Mbulu at the Portuguese side means there is no recognisable Malawian footballer in Europe, a development that is linked to the Flames’ sloppy performance.
Mbulu was not readily available for a comment yesterday but Costa have confirmed on their website to have reunited with the 2016 TNM Super League Golden Boot Award winner.
The website quoted Costa Sports Director Artur Faria, saying the former Mafco striker was available for selection.
“Mbulu, who left the Canaries [Costa] at the end of last season to play in the second division in Portugal, signed a one-year contract with the club. Remember that last season, Mbulu helped Costa do Sol win the cup of Mozambique and fight for the championship,” reads www. costadosol.co.mz.
Another Malawian striker at Costa, Chawanangwa Kawonga, Wednesday confirmed Mbulu’s return. Matthews Sibale also plays for Costa.
“Mbulu has, since his return, played two games for us. I am not sure about the reasons for his return but he just indicated that he does not want to go back to Portugal,” Kawonga said in mobile phone interview.
The Flames Team Manager, James Sangala, Wednesday said he was not aware of Mbulu’s return to Mozambique.
“I talked to Richard last week but he didn’t mention anything about that. Maybe in the last two or three days something must have happened. The chat was about how he was faring in Portugal since they are in pre-season. We did not talk about performance whatsoever,” Sangala said.
Sanjoanense unveiled Mbulu in January on a season-long loan deal from Costa.
“The Sanjoanense Sports Association hired, until the end of this season, forward Mbulu. At 24, the player will have his first experience in Europe,” the club posted on its website www. ads.pt/ ad-sanjoanense.
Mbulu s igned for the Portuguese side alongside the late Abel Mwakilama who, until his, death was playing for Esmoriz.
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