There is a certain excitement in the transfer window that goes beyond big-money deals. Nothing beats signing a free agent, especially if he is a proven talent, arrives with a zero transfer fee, and is ready to inject your squad with experience and quality.
For clubs looking to boost their squads with top players at a near-no transfer cost, apart from the mandatory signing-on fee, Bolanews has done the homework for you!
Below is our compiled list of the top five free agents you could look at ahead of the next Super League season. Move quickly; the transfer market is fluid, and they may be off the market by the time you finish reading this.
Ricky Banda
Are you aware that the 2021/22 season’s best player, Ricky Banda’s contract with Red Arrows expires on June 30? Well, now you know! For his talents, Arrows are desperate to keep Banda but the player is keeping his options open.
Formerly of Indeni and Jumulo, it is at Arrows that Banda made a name big enough for him to be considered for national team selection. The 2021/22 season was his best in the red and white colours for the Airmen.
That campaign, he scored 16 league goals, helping Arrows to the title, taking home a footballer-of-the-year award and the Golden Boot. He missed out on the young-player-of-the-year accolade to Joshua ‘Budo’ Mutale.
It is a no-brainer that Arrows, who will be playing in the Champions League next season, are looking to tie him. That should not stop you from dangling the carrot.
Moses Phiri
Famed as Baby Police, Moses Phiri is looking for a new club, as there is no indication that Tanzanian side Simba SC will renew his two-year deal signed on June 11, 2022.
The former Zanaco hitman spent last season on loan at Power Dynamos but did not do enough to tickle the fancy of coach Oswald Mutapa or the ever-demanding Power fans. Our sources indicate that Power are not interested in making the deal permanent.
There is no questioning Phiri’s quality. On his day, he can be a nightmare for defenders. Aged 31, Phiri still has some goals left in his legs, you might want to close the deal, we have his number!
Kelvin Kapumbu
Nothing would excite supporters more than their club signing up a national team player on a free. Well, Chipolopolo defensive midfielder Kelvin Kapumbu is on the shelves after seeing his Zesco United deal expire.
Kapumbu, formerly of Zanaco signed a two year deal with Zesco back in 2022 and the Zesco hierarchy watched it run down. While negotiations for a new deal are ongoing, it should not stop your team from pulling a fast on, football is a business.
Who wouldn’t want a solid Kapumbu in their midfield? Be warned that he is prone to red cards.
Prince Mumba
Some Power Dynamos fans are calling on the seven – time league champions to make Kitwe Prince Mumba’s new home after his Kabwe Warriors deal expired.
The diminutive midfielder was once tipped to be Zambia’s next big thing but, truthfully speaking, he has failed to live up to the billing. It is not surprising that Warriors are willing to let him go for Mahala.
The former under-17 and 20 captain will be looking for more stability at his next club. This comes after not found any during his second spell at Warriors, where he returned to from a forgettable spell in Croatia.
Mwenya Chibwe
Having spent most of his time in South Africa, goalkeeper Mwenya Chibwe tried out the Super League with Zesco United. He has been on their books for the last two seasons but things have not really worked out.
Chibwe has had a number of decent performances here and there. However, he failed to unseat Ian Otieno as the first choice for the nine – time league champion. Some Zesco fans feel he was not given enough game time.
The Chipolopolo international, famously known for turning down an opportunity to play for Bafana Bafana, has returned to South Africa after the expiry of his contract. He indicates that he would entertain a chance to return to the Super League.
There you go. There are plenty of free fish out there. Don’t just sit in your air-conditioned office; strike some deals that would both have depth and quality for your team at near-zero costs.
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