Yamikani Chester might join another team—Manager
The prospect of the Flames lively winger Yamikani Chester prolonging his stay at North Carolina FC let alone joining Czech parent club, MFK Vsykov, hangs in the balance.
An official for Chester’s management company, James Woods Nkhutabasa, from his United Kingdom base Thursday said they were weighing options, following expiry of the player’s loan spell with the second tier the United States League Championship outfit.
“As for his next steps, he is signed to MFK Vsykov and as a group we are currently working on his next chapter. He was loaned out to North Carolina. The purpose was to expose his talent to a league that has great potential; a league that is watched by tens of millions around the world and get exposure to a more professional environment,” he said.
The former Mighty Tigers skipper scored five goals in 21 appearances, mostly as a substitute for North Carolina, but Woods Nkhutabasa did not come out clearly on whether the American side would renew the loan spell.
“He did very well at North Carolina, the unfortunate bit was that being a player on loan, as a coach sometimes he wants to use a player that is signed permanently and that is why Chester would be man-of-the-match, the next game he would be on the bench, he would score goals, the next time he is on the bench. He was one of the best players for North Carolina. They would want him back. He was a fan-favourite but we are talking to clubs in America, Asia and Europe.
One thing for sure—-Chester would, come next season, be playing for a best team in a best league,” Woods Nkhutabasa.
On chances of the player playing for the parent club, Woods Nkhutabasa said: “Chester can play in Czech Republic but at the moment, we are looking at the best possible options for him.”
The season in America is on break. Vsykov had not responded to Malawi News questions on whether they would recall Chester.
Chester signed for the Czech side on a three-year contract from Be Forward Wanderers in January 2019 and was loaned out to Carolina until November 31 2019.
The former Mighty Tigers captain has cemented his place in the Flames’ squad but struggled in the first-half of 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan at Kamuzu Stadium a few weeks ago, before coming to the party in the final half.
Wanderers Team Manager, Victor Maunde, Thursday said the club was in touch with Chester.
“He wanted to train with us but now he is now busy with preparations for his forthcoming wedding [on December 21 2019]. He is on off-season break and he has indicated that he will return to North Carolina in January next year,” Maunde said.
Chester, who was not available for a comment, is energetic with pace, trickery, passing ability but he is let down by his stamina and suspect finishing.
The Flames winger followed in the footsteps of compatriots such as Mphatso Namwali, Paul Mbisa and Ian Banda who also played football in America.
