Massive clear-out
Super League teams have embarked on massive clear-out as they prepare for the upcoming 2023 football season. A random interview with 12 teams in the Super League confirmed that majority of the players are being released on performance and disciplinary related reasons. Wanderers Company Secretary Chancy Gondwe said the 10 players will pave way for the new…
Super League teams have embarked on massive clear-out as they prepare for the upcoming 2023 football season.
With two to three months before the kick-off of the new season, the clubs are likely to offload over 70 players.
A random interview with 12 teams in the Super League confirmed that majority of the players are being released on performance and disciplinary related reasons.
This could be the highest number of players released by clubs for over five seasons.
Majority of the teams are releasing old guards, preferring youth brigade.
There is no guarantee that the released players will find new clubs before the start of the season.
Some will likely be forced into retirement whereas others will not make the grades.
Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar will offload 12 players- more than any other team, followed by Mighty Mukuru Wanderers as they will release 10 players.
Wanderers Company Secretary Chancy Gondwe said the 10 players will pave way for the new players.
“We want to have a manageable squad of 25 players,’’ he told journalists on Thursday after unveiling Flames defender Lawrence Chaziya and goalkeeper Dalitso Khungwa.
They have already released striker Ephraim Kondowe, defenders Bongani Kaipa and Francis Mlimbika.
Silver Strikers already confirmed the departure of eight players whereas Red Lions will release six players.
The Bankers released players such Taonga Chimodzi, Mike Robert, Levison Maganizo, Misheck Malaicha, Blessings Tembo, Frank Banda and Prince Phiri.
Blue Eagles, Mafco and Ekwendeni Hammers will offload five players each whereas Civil Service United and Kamuzu Barracks will release four and three players respectively.
Nyasa Big Bullets are yet to release players but before the start of last season, they offloaded 11 players.
Bullets Chief Administration Officer Albert Chigoga said the club will announce the names at an appropriate time.
“It will be unprofessional for me to disclose how many players will go,” Chigoga said.
However, Bullets already parted ways with midfielder Chimwemwe Idana and winger Misheck Selemani.
Moyale Barracks, Chitipa United, Mighty Tigers and Karonga United are also expected to release some players before the start of the season.
More disputes will likely ensue between the clubs and the players over their benefits.
Football Players Association (FPA) chairperson Jimmy Zakazaka said majority of the players are being treated unfairly.
“We assist our members only. During offseason, majority of the players are victims,” he said.
Football analyst David Kanyenda, who is also a lawyer, said both parties should act in good faith and attempt to seek mutual agreement in dealing with termination of employment.
“Players who feel short changed should not take it with hands lying down. Let them seek expert advice to establish if they have been treated fairly and lawfully,” Kanyenda said.
On the other hand, the clubs are also busy bolstering their respective squads.
Wanderers are the busiest team on the player transfer market, having recruited six players whereas Silver have signed four. Bullets have brought in two players.
