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Wanderers, Thole in contract deadlock

Wanderers, Thole in contract deadlock

By Mabvuto Kambuwe:

Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and their first choice goalkeeper William Thole have failed to agree on extension of his current contract, Malawi News Sport has learnt.

Thole’s current deal expires on February 17 but the goalkeeper has not committed his future to the club despite being offered a two-year contract extension.

Malawi News Sport has established that Thole is weighing options after an outstanding season when he helped Wanderers win Castel Challenge Cup and finish second in the league.

Following the impasse, Wanderers risk losing their prized asset for free when his deal expires next month.

Currently, Thole who is Malawi National Football Team, the Flames first choice goalkeeper can also sign a pre-contract with a team of his choice.

In an interview yesterday, Wanderers Chief Executive Officer Panganeni Ndovi confirmed the impasse between the club and the Flames goalkeeper.

“We offered him a contract extension. So, everything is in his hands,” Ndovi said.

But Thole refused to comment on the matter on Friday.

Thole’s departure could create a big void at the club as Wanderers would remain with veteran goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa and youngster Dalitso Khungwa.

Wanderers Reserve goalkeeper Vincent Mdoka is expected to be promoted to the senior team ahead of the 2025 season.

The former Mighty Tigers goalkeeper was voted as the club’s best goalkeeper in the just ended season. He had a good season keeping over 10 clean sheets across all competitions for the club.

Thole also kept two clean sheets for the Flames in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Burundi and Burkina Faso.

He also produced a wonderful performance in the same competition as the Flames lost 1-0 to Senegal at Bingu National Stadium.

The towering goalkeeper helped Wanderers to win the 2024 Castel Challenge Cup having conceded only two goals.