Silver deny hijacking Japanese player: Wanderers blowing Nakamura issues out of promotion

Silver Strikers have denied accusations from Mighty Be Forward Wanderers that they attempted to intercept their pursuit of r Japanese import utility player Genki Nakamura to sign the forward after jetting in the country.

Nakamura, who arrived on Thursday,  ended up at the Bankers treasurer Fred Kalonga’s house after jetting in the country.

But Kalonga playing innocent and insisting that his club would never sign someone simply to avoid snatching him from another side, said he was alerted of the player’s arrival by Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) immigration officials.

He accused Wanderers official of failing to welcome the Japanese player at the airport.

Kalonga said the player told airport officials that he is coming to join Silver.

But Nakamura said he had come to play for the team sponsored by Japanese company Be Forward Limited.

The player was later picked up by Wanderers officials led by vice-general secretary Chris Kananji.

Silver general secretary Chimwemwe Nkhwimba  said there was nothing sinister, accusing Wanderers of “ blowing the whole issue out of proportion.”

He said: “It is not Silver’s style to get a player another club wants.”

Nakamura, who is currently  a free agent, plays as a striker, attacking midfielder and right winger.

His last club is Mohammedan Sporting of India but he has played for Bilisht and FK Tomori Berat of Albania, Sport Boys and Hijos de Acosvinchos Peru, Cerezo Osaka (Japan), Saigon Port (Vietnam), Vfb Huls and, DJK Tus (Germany).