…while Nkana chase Roger Kola
By MICHAEL MIYOBA
NDOLA giants Zesco United have completed the signing of striker Mathews Chabala from Nchanga Rangers on a permanent deal putting an end to a transfer saga.
Rangers confirmed the departure of Chabala who had handed in a transfer request to return to the FAZ Premier League after the Chingola outfit were demoted to the National Division one league last season.
“Nchanga Rangers Football Club seeks to inform its supporters and partners that the club has reached an agreement with Zesco United Football Club for the permanent transfer of defender Matthews Chabala away from Nchanga Stadium,” the club confirmed in a statement issued by Media officer – Nchanga Rangers Football Club Limited, Andrew Ukwimi.
“Chabala had submitted a transfer request to mutually separate with the club after spending four years during which period he rose through the youth ranks,” the club confirmed.
Earlier club president Shapi Shachinda noted that Nchanga Rangers would not stand in the way of Chabala who wanted to force a loan move to Zesco United.
The lone move away from Nchanga Stadium would have made it possible for Chabala to leave as a free agent as he was remaining with just a few months to end his contract.
“We made it very clear to him (Chabala) that Nchanga Rangers F.C. should recoup some of its investments in him as a way of the player showing gratitude to a club that has groomed him to fame. The club wants to protect the player’s interests by allowing him to leave, but Nchanga Rangers F.C. interests must also be respected by the parties involved,” Shachinda said.
Meanwhile, Nkana FC who kicked off the new season with a 1-0 home defeat to Red Arrows are reported to have launched talks with experienced striker Roger Kola over a potential move to Nkana.
The 34-year-old former Sensational Zanaco FC striker is a free agent after parting ways with Tanzanian side Azam FC.
Nkana, who have now adopted Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka as their home venue are determined to beef up their striking force after the weekend loss.
