In a significant move, Mighty Wanderers’ star attacking midfielder Isaac Kaliati has turned down a lucrative offer from Zimbabwean side Simba Bhora, opting instead to extend his remarkable tenure at Lali Lubani for another two seasons.
The decision marks the end of months of speculation surrounding the future of the 2024 TNM Super League golden boot winner, who has been at the heart of Wanderers’ success for nearly a decade.
Simba Bhora had mounted an aggressive pursuit of Kaliati’s services, tabling an attractive package that included a USD10,000 signing-on fee. The deal had progressed to advanced stages, with negotiations reportedly nearing completion before the midfielder made his decision to remain in Malawi.
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The Zimbabwean club’s interest underscores Kaliati’s growing reputation in regional football, following his prolific season that saw him claim the league’s top scorer award. However, his loyalty to the Nomads and unfinished business at the club ultimately proved decisive.
The path to securing Kaliati’s future has been far from straightforward. Mighty Wanderers initiated contract extension talks with their longest-serving player back in June this year, but negotiations proved complex, with significant gaps between the two parties on contractual terms.
After six months of intense discussions, sources close to the negotiations—speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter—have revealed that both sides have finally bridged their differences. The breakthrough came after club President Thom Mpinganjira personally approved the financial package to meet Kaliati’s demands.
The versatile midfielder is expected to put pen to paper on a new contract this evening in Lilongwe, bringing an end to the uncertainty that has surrounded his future.
According to sources familiar with the agreement, Kaliati will sign a two-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2027. The deal represents a compromise between both parties, with Wanderers initially pushing for a one-year contract with an option to extend, while the player’s representatives advocated for the security of a two-year deal.
The final agreement includes a substantial salary increase and a signing-on fee bonus, though specific figures are being kept confidential to maintain harmony within the squad. This discretion reflects the club’s sensitivity to potential discord among players regarding wage structures.
Kaliati’s decision to stay extends what has already been an extraordinary relationship with the Nomads. The 27-year-old joined Wanderers from Mighty Tigers in 2015 and has since become one of the club’s most dependable performers, amassing nearly 12 years of service by the time his new contract expires.
During his time at Lali Lubani, Kaliati has been instrumental in the club’s trophy-laden era, contributing to victories in multiple competitions including: Two TNM Super League titles, The Standard Bank Cup, The Carlsberg Cup, The Airtel Top 8 Cup, Fisd Challenge Cup, The Castel Challenge Cup.
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