It’s now the offseason and roster moves are well under way across the league. Fans already learned the Rowdies have made some moves already in releasing Kamil Contofalsky, Rich Balchan, Marquez Fernandez, Martin Nunez, Marcelo Saragosa, Zac Boggs, and Corey Hertzog. They also exercised options on Darnell King, Zac Portillos, Keith Savage, and Darwin Espinal.

With the retention of Portillos and King, as well as Ben Sweat and Stefan Antonijevic, the only question mark on the back line was center back Tamika Mkandawire. The Unused Substitutes have learned, however, that Tam will be donning the green and gold hoops once again in 2016. Tam’s original contract is set to expire at the end of the Spring Season, but the Unused Substitutes have also learned that the defender is keen to remain in Tampa Bay past that date and negotiations are under way to make that a reality.

Mkandawire signed during the break of the 2014 season and has been a stalwart at the center back position ever since. He played every minute of the 2015 campaign and helped anchor the third best defense in the league, allowing only 37 goals. Keeping him for the entirety of 2016 and beyond would go a long way for the Rowdies title hopes.