Transfer Rumor: Mrisho Ngassa Could Be Available On Free

by Dave Clark on Jan 1, 2012 3:20 PM PST in Sounders: Trades, Transfers and Rumors

The Cordell Cato v Mrisho Ngassa "battle" may not exist at all. Word out of Mrisho Ngassa's Tanzanian club (Azam FC) is that they will release him to Seattle Sounders FC on a free. After purchasing him for a national record 40 thousand dollars this would be a huge move for a club in a relatively poor footballing region. A move that would seem to be done so theplayer could "shine internationally."

Azam FC secretary general, Idrisa Nassor says the club are willing to release forward Mrisho Ngassa to MLS club Seattle Sounders for free
— Tom Legg (@tomlegg) January 1, 2012

This news comes via Tom Legg's twitter account. Legg also writes at site Eastern Promise and profiled the Tanzanian national team recently for Sounder at Heart.

Ngassa played on the right in his trial appearance with Seattle against Manchester United, but also plays on the left wing in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. The 21 year old has experience at many levels with the National team and is the primary offensive focus for Azam in league play.

During the Adam Johansson conference call Technical Director Chris Henderson noted that competition for roster spots will continue despite a seemingly "full" slate.

We're still going to come in with a pretty good group of players. There's players who are still competing for spots. If we find there is a position where we think there's another player who is new to the group that we think can come in and replace one of these players we're going to consider that. So [the training roster] may be smaller but not by much.

A young player with upside from a region that Seattle wants to grow available on a free would seem close to a no-brainer if his talent appeals to the team.

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If he's on a free, there's no reason not to try him out.

Worst case scenario, the team buys him a ticket back home at the end of camp. No real way to lose here.

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by c_dowley on Jan 1, 2012 5:31 PM PST reply actions

Is roger safe?

I realize levesque is mr versatility and I think he is the longest tenured player on the squad but I am worried he might not be around this year. He does not seem to be second at any particular position (and certainly is not first). While his cap hit is not high, I am wondering if our roster congestion might be relieved at his expense. Roger is not young and probably has reached his potential as a player. The rational part of my brain leans towards younger guys who may develop into better players but the fan side of me would be crushed to lose him.

by @Thomas513 on Jan 1, 2012 6:02 PM PST via mobile reply actions

being multifaceted helps

his leadership also will be needed on the reserve side

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by Dave Clark on Jan 1, 2012 6:05 PM PST via Android app up reply actions

Attitude example

If we have seen anything about Sigi, he wants players who buy into the team and approach their Sounders experience with unbridled enthusiasm. Levesque is his object lesson. Sigi won’t give up that example or his versatility lightly.

by Abbott Smith on Jan 1, 2012 8:44 PM PST up reply actions

Him and Zach Scott: Man Marker

are the only USL Sounders remaining, I think Levesque stays longer than Scott. I hope for another year or so.

by Adam Waltering on Jan 1, 2012 6:32 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

Zach seems safer...

He is the No 2 right back and shuts down Brek Shea twice a year, at least.

by @Thomas513 on Jan 1, 2012 7:08 PM PST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

Rec'd for use of "Zach Scott: Man Marker"

FRIMPONG ought always be written in full caps #DEEEEEEENCH

by Kyle Ritter on Jan 1, 2012 9:06 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

No way

Levesque saw significant time last year and that was before the roster churn and getting into the CCL group stages. We’ll be glad we have him during non-MLS competitions, I assure you.

by Tohoya on Jan 2, 2012 8:35 PM PST up reply actions

Ngassa

This is only good for us. Like someone already said the worst that can happen is that we buy him a plane ticket back home. I think he can add some needed speed to our attack being able to play on both wings or as a forward but that’s not where I see him getting much time. I feel like we need someone in central midfield though before we pick up more outside mids.

by DMS12 on Jan 1, 2012 6:13 PM PST reply actions

How do transfer fees work with your off cap spots?

If your developmental spots need to be league minimum salary, how do transfer fees affect that? Or put another way if the Sounders had to pay even a minimal 40k transfer fee, would that have pushed Ngassa out of a developmental spot?

by Czazall on Jan 1, 2012 8:37 PM PST reply actions

I don't know

I assume it would prevent a developmental slot

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by Dave Clark on Jan 1, 2012 8:52 PM PST up reply actions

that would be my assumption as well

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by Jeremiah Oshan on Jan 2, 2012 9:08 AM PST up reply actions

I wonder

if they are offering him for free because they felt the Sounders getting cold feet? The idea of Ngassa was pretty hot last summer but seemed to have cooled significantly. Who knows.

by Adam Waltering on Jan 3, 2012 7:58 AM PST reply actions

I would assume there's some other reasons as well

I would guess the team likes Ngassa, but doesn’t have the space to pay a transfer fee. Still, there has to be some other reasons Azam FC are willing to let him go as he represents a sizable invest for a poorer club. My guess is they want to preserve their partnership with the Sounders and hope to get benefits from the relationship later. The Sounders are in a good position to offer benefits to Azam FC that are outside the salary cap system (e.g. training opportunities, promotion in MLS, off-season friendlies, etc). Also, if Ngassa does well it can help establish Tanzania and Azam as a good place to scout for young talent.

by Dizzo on Jan 3, 2012 2:24 PM PST up reply actions