BCC, Sulom contradict over Wanderers trip

Blantyre City Council (BCC) and the Super League of Malawi (Sulom) yesterday contradicted each other on the progress of the proposed Be Forward Wanderers’ trip to Mozambique where the team is expected to play an international friendly match against Quelimane City.

The match is scheduled for Monday as part of Quelimane City’s 75th Anniversary Celebrations and BCC chose the Nomads.

And while BCC public relations manager Anthony Kasunda yesterday said the Nomads had been given the go ahead to make the trip, Sulom general secretary (GS) Williams Banda said their position had not changed.

Said Kasunda: “We have confirmation that Wanderers have been allowed to go and they are now preparing to accompany the mayor on the trip.”

But the Sulom GS said: “We cannot bar BCC or Wanderers from proceeding with the trip as long as they fulfil their [Super League] game against Mzuzu University [Mzuni] FC on Sunday.

“As we already stated, we are behind in terms of fixtures and at this point there is no way we can postpone the match.”

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) general secretary Alfred Gunda also said based on Sulom’s response, the Nomads will have to fulfil their league game on Sunday.

On his part, Wanderers GS Mike Butao said: “We are surprised that Sulom are able to recognise our contribution of players to the national team as national duty by exempting us from fixtures, but have problems recognising this trip which is also a national cause.”

Asked, therefore, if they are proceeding with the trip under the circumstances, the Nomads GS said: “I would rather not comment.” n