Chronicle EditorTedious Manyepo Sports Reporter —
UNHERALDED France-born Zimbabwean striker Salade Machemba could play in the Major Soccer League after Canada-based club Vancouver Whitecaps expressed keen interest in signing the striker.The 25-year-old is currently on the books of Italian side Atalanta, but he wants out as he has been frozen out by new manager Gian Piero Gasperini who replaced Eduardo Reja in the off-season.
Machemba signed a three-year contract with the club in February this year having been swooped from Manchester City’s Under-21 side. But, since then the striker has struggled to break into the senior team.
He had hoped to nail a starting place in the team this season, but his dreams were shattered after Reja was shown the exit before the start of the season.
Atalanta BC have not registered him on their 2016-17 season despite impressing in the few minutes he was thrown onto the field when the Italian club played English Premiership side Crystal Palace in an off-season friendly.
According to reports, Vancouver Whitecaps are keen to sign the player next January.
Machemba said there is a buy-out clause in his contract and from the look of things, he was set to leave for Canada.
Reports suggest that one of the key shareholders at Atalanta has been facilitating the deal for the Zimbabwean.
“I have been in Milan for the past nine months at Atalanta.
“Everything is fine, but as a professional footballer, I am interested in seeing action. Unfortunately, that is not happening at the moment as the manager has decided not to register me for the season.
“I am very frustrated to say the least. The decision to freeze me out of the squad was very surprising considering that I was touted as one of the best players at the club before Reja’s departure.
“But, I am happy I could now play competitively again if the MLS deal see the light of day, as I am confident it will,” he said.
Unlike some Zimbabwean players who have shunned to play for the national team, Machemba said he will honour the call if his services are needed.
He has never represented any country before.
“I am ready to play for Zimbabwe if I am selected by the coach. I have never represented any country before as I was fully concentrating on my studies.
“My experience in England (with Manchester City U-21s) and in the Serie A is enormous and could help in a way if I am called to do duty for Zimbabwe,” he said.
Besides Vancouver Whitecaps, several other clubs have shown interest in the forward.
Online Reporter