Mafco, Costa Sol agree K7 million Richard Mbulu loan fee

Source: The Times Group Malawi
Author: Mabvuto Kambuwe

Malawi Armed Forces College (Mafco) and Mozambican side Costa do Sol have settled for $4,000 (about K7 million) as loan fee for on-and-off Flames striker Richard Mbulu.

Last month, the Salima-based club threatened to recall Mbulu from Mozambique for extending his contract with Costal without their blessings.

Then, Mafco wrote Football Association of Malawi (Fam) seeking its intervention on the matter.

Following Fam's intervention, the two clubs have reached an agreement on the loan fee.

Mafco Chairperson Cedrick Chisale said discussions have been finalised with Costal.

"We want to thank Fam for intervening in the best interest of the player. Costa do Sol have promised to pay the loan fee by the end of this month so that he can start playing for them," Chisale said.

Mbulu returned to Mozambique last year, when he signed a one-year loan contract with Costa.

After the expiry of the deal, the former Baroka FC striker extended his contract.

Chisale said, after discussions between the two clubs, Mbulu has penned a one-year contract with the option to extend it.

Mbulu was an influential player for Costa in the Mocambola League alongside Yamikani Chester, Lloyd Njaliwa and Chikoti Chirwa.

He scored seven goals in the Mocambola League last season, five goals behind the top goal scorer.

Fam Compliance Manager Casper Jangale asked for more time before he could comment on the matter.

Sports analyst Sherry Msuku hailed Mafco and Costa for handling the matter professionally.

"This is good news for the player. I am happy that the clubs acted quickly to settle the matter," he said.

Mbulu, who is a Malawi Defence Force soldier, played for South African side Baroka before returning to Mozambique. The 29-year-old player failed to join Iraqi top flight side Al Najf in 2022.