Mzuzu, Malawi, September 18: Malawi national team striker, Gustin Simukonda prospects of joining South Africa’s National First Division side, Black Leopards soon are in doubt following the club’s and Simukonda employers failure to seal the deal.
Simukonda is a professional soldier and a player for army sponsored, Super League side Moyale Barracks Football Club which is based in the country’s northern provincial city of Mzuzu.
As per requirement of Malawi Defence Force (MDF) policy, athletes plying sporting trade at the army sponsored sides must get clearance from their commander before embarking on professional sporting career outside the country.
Black Leopards proprietor, David Thidiela was in Malawi last week to discuss Simukonda deal with MDF Commander General Ignacio Maulana, but the talks failed to take place because the army chief had a tight schedule.
“That time we failed to meet the army commander because of his tight schedule. We were referred to another senior officer and we are yet to book an appointment.
Simukonda is a professional soldier and a player for army sponsored, Super League side Moyale Barracks Football Club which is based in the country’s northern provincial city of Mzuzu.
As per requirement of Malawi Defence Force (MDF) policy, athletes plying sporting trade at the army sponsored sides must get clearance from their commander before embarking on professional sporting career outside the country.
Black Leopards proprietor, David Thidiela was in Malawi last week to discuss Simukonda deal with MDF Commander General Ignacio Maulana, but the talks failed to take place because the army chief had a tight schedule.
“That time we failed to meet the army commander because of his tight schedule. We were referred to another senior officer and we are yet to book an appointment.
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Thereafter we will be referred to the army commander again,” explained Kondie Msungama Leopards local scout in newspaper interview published Thursday.
Rumours swirling through in the local soccer fraternity, suggests that Simukonda employers wants solid assurance from the South African club before they can release their employee for sporting career.
According to the rumours the MDF officials are not happy with the way one of their employee, Kamuzu Barracks Football Club and former Flames, midfield-workhorse, Dave Banda was treated while playing for the same South African club.
In 2011 the South African club signed Banda on a three-year deal from another MDF sponsored outfit, Red Lions Football Club, but his contract was prematurely terminated after the player had only played for the club for a year.
The South African club is reportedly in desperate need of Simukonda services and it has offered him two year outright contract.
Before visiting Malawi, Thidiela had reportedly held telephone conversation with Simukonda’s club officials and employers to get him released for professional soccer career.
His recent visit to Malawi was purposely to hold face to face talks with MDF chief with the aim of thrashing out outstanding issues concerning the player’s deal.
Simukonda is reported to have agreed personal terms with the club when he visited South Africa recently.
However, he was unavailable for comment when this reporter tried to seek his comment on the latest news on his deal.
Meanwhile, Black Leopards local scout has appealed for patience from the local soccer fraternity and saying the deal might take a little longer to be finalised.
“Gustin is employed by the army [Malawi Defence Force] and we need patience to finalise the deal,” said Msungama.
Rumours swirling through in the local soccer fraternity, suggests that Simukonda employers wants solid assurance from the South African club before they can release their employee for sporting career.
According to the rumours the MDF officials are not happy with the way one of their employee, Kamuzu Barracks Football Club and former Flames, midfield-workhorse, Dave Banda was treated while playing for the same South African club.
In 2011 the South African club signed Banda on a three-year deal from another MDF sponsored outfit, Red Lions Football Club, but his contract was prematurely terminated after the player had only played for the club for a year.
The South African club is reportedly in desperate need of Simukonda services and it has offered him two year outright contract.
Before visiting Malawi, Thidiela had reportedly held telephone conversation with Simukonda’s club officials and employers to get him released for professional soccer career.
His recent visit to Malawi was purposely to hold face to face talks with MDF chief with the aim of thrashing out outstanding issues concerning the player’s deal.
Simukonda is reported to have agreed personal terms with the club when he visited South Africa recently.
However, he was unavailable for comment when this reporter tried to seek his comment on the latest news on his deal.
Meanwhile, Black Leopards local scout has appealed for patience from the local soccer fraternity and saying the deal might take a little longer to be finalised.
“Gustin is employed by the army [Malawi Defence Force] and we need patience to finalise the deal,” said Msungama.
By: Joel Chirwa
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