Council lifts suspension of sports activities

Malawi National Council of Sports has lifted the suspension of all sporting activities imposed following the death Vice-President Saulos Chilima and eight others in a plane crash in Mzimba last week.

In a statement signed by chief executive officer Henry Kamata, Sports Council says the resumption of activities is with immediate effect.

Reads the statement in part: “The council extends its deepest gratitude to all sports associations and affiliates for their respectful observance of the guidance to suspend all sporting activities. Your solidarity and support during this time of national grief have been invaluable.

“As we resume our sporting endeavours, let us continue to honour the memory and legacy of those we lost by embodying the spirit of peace, unity and excellence in our sporting activities.”

On his part, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka said they will soon announce the resumption of competitions under the association such as the Castel Challenge Cup, which was suspended during the period.

Meanwhile, stakeholders have welcomed the resumption of the activities.

However, Silver Strikers feel they need time to prepare for the matches, considering that the ban on sports activities included training sessions.

The club’s chief executive officer Patrick Chimimba said: “We just started today [Tuesday]. The boys started with aerobics after staying idle all this time.

“We just hope Super League of Malawi [Sulom] will not rush to have fixtures this weekend. We need  time to get in shape.”

But Mighty Mukuru Wanderers chief executive officer Panganeni Ndovi said while clubs need time to get in shape, this might affect the 2024 calendar.

He said: “We also just started training today [Tuesday]. But much as time is needed to prepare for the games, we need to look at the limited time we may have to complete the season, considering other competitions have not started yet.

“It could create pressure in the near future. So, I think games should kick-off this weekend.”

On his part, Bullets chief administration manager Albert Chigoga said they will wait for communication from Sulom.

He said: “We will simply await communication on the resumption of games. Once this is done, Bullets will comply.  The suspension was temporary as per the communication we received.”

Sulom vice-general secretary Donnex Chilonga said they are yet to get communication on the resumption of the sports activities.

However, a statement from the league runners on June 14 stated that revised fixtures would be released yesterday.

The statement reads in part: “Further to the communication from the Super League of Malawi [Sulom] to release the revised fixture today, 14 June 2024, we wish to announce that the date has been revised to 18 June 2024.”