Former Baroka FC striker Richard Mbulu is reportedly closing in on a move to Iraqi top-flight league side Al-Najaf SC, sources have told FARPost.
Contrary to reports that Mbulu has joined the club, this website can confirm that the former Baroka forward has agreed on terms with the Iraqi side, but he is still back home in Malawi.
“His transfer is subject to a clearance from the Malawi Defence Force since he is still a serving soldier,” the source told FARPost.
The Nation newspaper in Malawi has since quoted the 28-year-old as confirming his free transfer to Al-Najaf.
“I am excited about this breakthrough, and I will work hard to make an impact. It’s a timely new challenge after my stint in South Africa. I am happy with the terms of the deal, and it was agreed that, for a start, it should be a year,” Mbulu is quoted saying.
The Iraqi club is yet to confirm the signing of the Flames forward, who could not be reached for comment.
Former Malawian international Esau Kanyenda has also confirmed the transfer, writing on his Facebook page: “Congrats, Richard Mbulu, for clinching a deal with Al-Najaf SC in Iraq.”
The former Costa do Sol striker is seeking a new lease of life at Al-Najaf two weeks after Zesco United in Zambia decided against offering him a contract at the end of his trials with the Lusaka team.
During his trials in Zambia, the 2016 Malawi Super League Golden Boot Awardee (19 goals) featured in friendlies against Green Eagles, among other teams.
Mbulu is among star players who did not fancy going down with Baroka to play in the second-tier – the Motsepe Foundation Championship – following the team’s relegation from the DStv Premiership last season.
The Malawian forward had a knack for scoring wonder goals, especially against Mamelodi Sundowns while at Baroka.
Mbulu scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 75 games in all competitions during his three-year career with Baroka.
The Flames forward, who managed three goals across competitions for Baroka last season, was not keen on playing in the lower division.
Mbulu, whose goal in the 1-0 win over Uganda earned Malawi the 2021 AFCON qualification, signed for the Bakgaga in 2019 from Costa do Sol following his impressive showing for the Flames at the Cosafa Cup held in South Africa the same year.
The Flames striker recently told FARPost that he was undecided on whether to extend his contract with Baroka or not beyond June 30 2022.
“My contract with Baroka expires on June 30 2022, and so far, there is no discussion regarding my future with Baroka. It is holiday time for me at the moment,” he said.
Now he will start a new lease of life in the oil-power Asian country where Al-Najaf are among the top teams. Little wonder they finished in seventh place last season.
The league in Iraq comprises 20 teams, and Al Shorta are the defending champions.
