Abu Dhabi Fearing a player exodus following his teams' successful run in the Fifa Club World Cup, TP Mazembe President Moise Katumbi Chapwe said his players would be "stupid" to consider moves to European clubs.
The overnight stardom generated from a Cup run that saw them beat the Concacaf and Copa Libertadores champions Pachuca and Internacional, but lose to UEFA Champions League winner Inter Milan in the final, has given TP Mazembe players the belief they needed to go and play outside of Africa. But Chapwe is not convinced.
"There's a better offer in Mazembe than in Europe so what is the meaning of just going to Europe if you're getting less? There are big teams in Africa giving a lot — the players are stupid to go."
His comments came after a number of players literally fought for the microphone after the match to self-generate their own transfer speculation.
Given Singuluma said: "I have three or four offers from different clubs. When I go home I will consider which one is best and look at what they are promising — I think Europe is better. When the right time comes it's time to move on — I think it's about time."
He was followed closely by Dioko Kaluyituka who added, "I have lots of offers from different clubs and I'm working closely with my agent to wait for the best offer."
Imminent break-up
Asked if he felt sorry about what seemed to be an imminent break-up of the team, which had done so well to become the first non-European or South American side in the final, Kaluyituka said: "It's not up to me to decide, its for the President [Chapwe] to deal with and try to keep us together."
Stressing the importance of maintaining this level of talent, Chapwe eventually conceded, "The best player on the pitch today was Samuel Eto — so there's a lot of talent in Africa."
