After a lengthy transfer dispute that has prevented him from playing since the start of the season, midfielder Kelvin Mwanza has been ordered to rejoin the maestro United Football Club (FC Muza) by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Disciplinary Committee.
Mwanza consented to sign a free-agent contract with Power Dynamos during the most recent transfer window, but FC MUZA insisted that the player was still contracted with them, so he hasn’t played since the beginning of this season.
His agent, Lameck Sifeku, then filed a complaint to the Player Status and Transfers Committee, arguing that Mwanza’s contract with MUZA expired on July 31, 2024, six years after joining them from Lusaka’s Chibolya Youth Sports Academy.
The Player Status Committee ruled that indeed Mwanza was a free agent and referred the matter to the Disciplinary Committee, who have now overruled that decision ordering Mwanza to return to the Mazabuka side.
Why has DC overturned the ruling in favor of Muza?
“Our decision is a simple one in view of the evidence adduced before us. The Complainants have failed to prove their case, and we forthwith rule in favour of the Respondent. Kelvin Mwanza belongs to Maestro FC as regards ownership,” the judgement read in part.
“We thus order the immediate return of the Player Kelvin Mwanza to his parent Club, Maestro FC where he has an existing legally binding contract following its extension or renewal. If there are any other formalities that the two parties may wish to fulfill, they are at liberty to do so based on their existing legal relationship.”
Muza asserts that the player was still a member of the team because he had agreed to a new contract with them that included a new pay. Despite the player not signing the new contract, the club nonetheless produced proof of payments, says the Disciplinary Committee adding that the Player Status and Transfer Committee decision was reversed because the defendant’s response was not obtained before it was made.
Mwanza had great success during his six seasons with the Mazabuka-based team. He assisted the team in reaching the 2022 ABSA Cup tournament finals and qualifying for their first-ever CAF Confederation Cup during his time there.
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