According to police, the goalkeeper informed Makanjira FC last month that Masters are planning to play friendly matches against the team and other clubs in the district and asked K450 000 claiming it will be used by Masters as transport.

“Makanjira officials mobilised the resources and deposited it into a National Bank account belonging to Lusungu Phillip at his request,” said Mangochi Police Station spokesperson Amina Daudi.

Daudi said the club has been trying to get hold of the goalkeeper since depositing the money but “his phone could not be reached.”

She said the club then contacted Masters’ owner Alfred Gangata who expressed ignorance over an arrangement to play friendly matches.

“He also told them that Bester is no longer their player as his contract expired,” she said.

Makanjira FC team manager Shaibu Amisi lodged the complaint to police.

Bester will face a charge of theft by trick, police said.