Fama insists final in Lilongwe

Fellowship Association of Malawi (Fama) Top Eight Trophy organising committee secretary Japhet Majekete on Thursday confirmed receiving Bullets request to have the final against Blue Eagles moved to Blantyre, but he has said it was not possible to do so.

“We have already spent close to K1 million (about $6 000) on the booking of the venue, accommodation, food and hiring of equipment. Shifting the final to Blantyre would mean starting from scratch and spending more,” Majekete explained.

“We understand Bullets’ sponsorship challenge and the best we can do, is to sit down with them and see how we can help in their logistics; otherwise, it will be extremely difficult to move the game to Blantyre.”

Eagles spokesperson Ackis Muwanga on Thursday said he would only comment on Bullets’ demand after receiving Fama’s communication.

Cash-strapped Big Bullets asked Fama to move the final on May 12 to Blantyre. They claimed that they already spent K300 000 (about $1 796) in preparations for the final, that was aborted a fortnight ago at Civo Stadium due to the death of former president Bingu wa Mutharika.

Bullets vice-general secretary Higger Mkandawire on Thursday noted that returning to Lilongwe would be a further drain on their meagre resources.

“We already made our position clear to the organisers when we travelled to Lilongwe for the aborted final. We expect the organisers to understand our plea since we do not have sponsorship,” said Mkandawire.

A K3.5 million (about $21 000) winner’s prize is at stake and Bullets promised their players 60 percent of the prize.