Ugandan forward Steven Desse Mukwala has made a stunning reversal, ditching talks of a new deal with Ghana Premier League side Asante Kotoko FC to negotiate with Tanzanian powerhouse Simba SC, The Nerve Africa sources have reliably informed.
Last week, Mukwala and Asante Kotoko held positive talks for a contract renewal, and an agreement was close. That was until Simba tabled a more lucrative offer on Saturday. A source affiliated with the player’s camp has also revealed that Mukwala asked Asante Kotoko for a sign-on fee of $100,000, a sum that they failed to match.
The 24-year-old thereby put an end to the talks and subsequently made his exit official on his social media platforms:
“This is probably the saddest day in my life as I say goodbye to a home that has given me growth in my career. I am glad to have been part of a profound family,” Mukwala added.
Meanwhile, Simba has tabled an offer in the region of $130,000 (about Shs 480 million) for the player’s signature. A trusted source has also disclosed that he will earn a monthly wage of $9,000 (about Shs 34 million) if the parties involved reach an agreement.
Mukwala’s Transfermarkt valuation is estimated at €175,000, but he could now become one of the highest-paid Ugandan players playing in East Africa, alongside Young Africans SC midfielder and Uganda Cranes deputy captain Khalid Aucho.
It should be recalled that last season, he was the second top-scorer in the Ghanaian Premier League, netting 14 goals in 28 games. He leaves Asante Kotoko with 25 goals in 59 matches across two campaigns. Previously, he has featured for Uganda Premier League sides URA FC, Vipers SC, and Maroons FC.
Mukwala, who recently started both World Cup qualification matches against Botswana and Algeria for the Uganda Cranes, has amassed 11 international caps, scoring three goals and assisting twice.
