Battle on for Apangu

By Norman Katendeand Phillip CorryEXPRESS picked a cheque of sh22m a fortnight ago, and already other Super League clubs are feeling poorer.The Wankulukuku side are splashing money around, and have changed the rules in the continuing Ugandan transfer saga.Well before they got the booty for winning the Hedex Cup, they grabbed Toto Songe under the nose of Villa. And now they are at it again. Any doubts Richard Malinga had about moving from KCC to Express seemed to have been cleared after the sh22m cheque had been cashed, with the defender appearing soon after for training at the Red Eagles’ ground.They then made a lightening move and snatched Military defender Ronald Apangu’s release, opening a new chapter to the player’s transfer sagaKCC insist they talked to Military earlier and they agreed to have Apangu for sh3m, Express moved faster and got the player’s release for sh4m.Insiders in both camps see this as setting a bargaining ground for international Malinga.Express have paid Malinga a total sh5.5m but KCC is not willing to release him leaving him to be destined for a 365 days ban after receiving money from two clubs.“We can negotiate. Let them release Malinga and we give them Apangu,” Express boss Godfrey Kirumira said after securing the release from Military.The release is signed by Julius Murekye (Secretary) and Dick Bugingo (Chairman).However, the duo are not recognised by National Football League Committee (NFLC).Aisha Nalule, NFLC administrative secretary yesterday told The new Vision that the recognised Military officials are John Mugume (chairman), Emmanuel Mulindwa (vice chairman), Stephen Katasanyi (secretary) and Deo Mwitirwole (assistant secretary).She however did not deny the authencity of the letter saying that they will have to cross check with Military FC and see whether they have recently changed officers.To add to the drama, the release letter gave Apangu a right to join a club of his choice and Apangu has allegedly written to NFLC saying that KCC was the club of his choice.“After Military was relegated, I decided to join KCC FC for the season,” reads part of the letter that concludes by saying: “allow me play for KCC since I have already signed their documents to avoid farther controversies.”“The player will only go for a club that has his signature and release,” said Nalule and though KCC has the player’s signature, Express might be having the authentic release.KCC are angry.“This is not a casino where you go and gamble over players,” Fred Ogene, KCC’s chief spokesman charged. “If you know the definition of a plan then Express is abusing it.”“Military is playing monkey tricks with us and we are not going to negotiate with them over the player,” he said.Express chairman Godfrey Kirumira was also adamant. “How can KCC claim to own a player who hasn’t been released to them?”