|
|
|
|
| Sports |
| Cosmos, Bakili Bullets lock horns over player |
|
by
Garry Chirwa, 31 March 2004
-
16:38:29
|
Jomo Cosmos of the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) have included Bakili Bullets defender Petros Mwalweni on their list for an international youth tournament to be held in Nantes, France, next week but the Bullets have thrown out the request, stressing they will not release the player.
Bullets’ vice treasurer Kondi Msungama made it crystal clear that they will not release the player owing to next weekend’s crucial Caf Champions League second round first leg clash against Zanaco in Zambia.
Cosmos’ locally-based talent scout Ben Chiwaya said Mwalweni has been included in the squad because he is part of their plans for next season.
“He is the only trialist that we have included in the travelling squad because he is on the technical panel’s serious plans for next season. He also stands a chance to clinch a deal with European teams should he excel at the tournament because he is in top form,” said Chiwaya.
The Cosmos official said the tournament is expected to run from April 8 to 11th.
“We have written to Bakili Bullets asking for the release of the player but there is still no official response from the club and we are worried because time is not on our side...the player is supposed to be in Johannesburg latest by this coming Saturday,” said Chiwaya.
But Bullets vice treasurer Kondi Msungama stressed on Wednesday that the club will not give the player the greenlight to leave because of the crucial Zanaco game.
“In addition to that we already agreed with Cosmos on the price tag and if anything they just have to pay us the K1.6 million ($14,953) transfer fee and the deal will be sealed...they will get the player. We are not trying to block him from prospects of brighter future but the executive felt that’s how the things should go,” said Msungama.
And reacting to Msungama’s statement, Chiwaya said: “If that’s the case then we have no choice but to off-load the player because the issue of payment cannot be done overnight.”
Mwalweni himself said he will respect whatever decision his club comes up with.
“I would have really loved to travel to France but as of now I belong to Bullets and I have to respect whatever decision they come up with,” said Mwalweni.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
