Kangwa wanted to forgo signing-on fee at Bosso

FORMER Highlanders utility player Bruce Kangwa has expressed disappointment with the club’s failure to accommodate him when he was released by Azam FC.

Although he had captained the Tanzanian club for several years, he was willing to re-join Bosso and even forgo his signing-on fees for a decent salary.

Despite contemplating a move to Chicken Inn, he signed with Caps United after Highlanders leaders dragged their feet.

Kangwa (35) made over 300 appearances during his seven-year stay with Azam.

“It was my wish to always come back home. Highlanders have been my team for so many years. It was at this great club that I managed to make a name for myself.

“As such, soon after parting ways with Azam, I was willing to re-join Highlanders. It’s unfortunate Bosso leaders dragged their feet at a time I was also willing to forgo my signing-on fees.

“I was only going to ask for a decent salary. I also even contemplated joining Chicken Inn, but nothing materialised. Caps United then moved in swiftly and tabled an offer,” said the Tshabalala-bred footballer.

Kangwa joined the cash-rich Azam in 2016 and quickly became a key player, primarily as a left-back. He was named the club’s captain in 2020.

In his seven-year stay at Chamazi Millionaires, as Azam are known, Kangwa made over 300 appearances.

At Azam, the former Warriors player played together with compatriots Prince Dube and midfielder Never Tigere. Tigere recently joined defending Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions, Ngezi Platinum Stars.

Dube reportedly wants to leave Azam and has received offers from Simba SC of Tanzania and Al Hilal of Sudan, but the club requires a hefty sum to release him from his contract, which runs through 2026.

Dube is no longer interested in playing for Azam and has written to the club to free him from his contract.

The speedy Warriors forward is reportedly in a fix after he tied himself to a contract extension up to 2026 and received a signing-on fee of US$150 000 recently.

There is a US$300 000 release clause in his contract.

“The contract he signed at the end of last season puts him at the club until 2026,” said the club’s head of information and communication department, Thabiti Zakaria.

On March 7, Dube took to social media to announce his intention to leave Azam.

“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my departure from Azam FC. These four years have been an incredible journey, filled with challenges, victories and cherished memories,” reads part of his post. — @FungaiMuderere