Union FC has finally come public on their controversial signing Amavubi Stars’ striker Saidi Abedi Makasi.

Abedi joined the second division side about two months ago but until last Wednesday when Amavubi flew out to Malawi, Union fans were still patiently waiting for him to make his debut.

Union coach Alloys Ntabitogwa told Times Sport last month that the reason he was not playing the veteran striker is because he did not want to risk the player on the bad pitches.

"In the second division, we don’t have very good pitches so I don’t want to risk him since he is also a vital player for the Amavubi especially with the upcoming 2010 World /Africa Nations Cup qualifiers,” he constantly told this paper. However, recently, Ntabitogwa opened up when he said that Abedi had refused to play for Union FC for unknown reasons.

"We followed the right channels to get Abedi but he has refused to play for us. In fact, he has not even trained with the team at all,” Ntabitogwa said.

The striker has not played competitive football since March when Amavubi played their first 2010 World /Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Algeria. The tie ended in a goalless draw.

With little match fitness, Abedi is likely to start on the bench when Amavubi take on Zambia in their second 2010 World Cup/ Africa Nations Cup qualifier this Saturday.

Ends