Azam FC, Coastal Union deny interest in Kaseja

Dar es Salaam. Juma Kaseja’s next destination remains a puzzle as Azam FC and Coastal Union have ruled themselves out of the running for the former Simba Sports Club’s goalkeeper.

Officials of the two clubs said in separate interviews with this paper yesterday that they are not tracking the national soccer team’s first choice goalie.

There have been numerous reports in the past two weeks that Azam and Coastal Union are keen on signing the vastly experienced custodian.

Simba opted to release Kaseja last month after he refused to meet with club leaders to discuss his future, according to the club’s registration committee chairman, Zacharia Hans Poppe. The 2013/14 season summer transfer window opened yesterday.

Kaseja, who played for the Msimbazi Street outfit for more than 12 years, has reportedly been keen on leaving the Mainland giants outfit and has been linked to numerous Premier League clubs.

Last week, it was reported that Coastal Union, a Tanga-based Premier League side, and Azam FC, who finished runners up last season, were keen on luring the custodian.

After days of speculations, Coastal Union and Azam revealed yesterday that they were still undecided regarding the upcoming transfer window.

“Kaseja is not a player who interests us, absolutely not. We will calmly ponder what to do towards the end of the July transfer window,” clarified Coastal Union official Nassoro Slum. For his part, Azam information officer, Jaffer Idd said that there was no room for the player because their squad has what it takes to shine next season. He said they have two goalkeepers who are equally good. He named them as Mwadin Ali Mwadin and Aishi Manula.

“As of now, we don’t need more new players because our head coach (Stewart Hall) has trust in the boys he has at his disposal,” insisted Idd.

But Kaseja insisted yesterday that he was still optimistic that he will feature for one of the top teams in next season’s top flight league kicking off next month.

“Take it from me, I will join one of the top Premier League clubs in the next few days,” the eagle-eyed goalie said.