Players body slams officials
Football Players Association president Ojukwu Malunga has blamed players and coaches’ harassment at football matches on irresponsible pre-match mind games by some Super League club officials.
On Tuesday, Malunga said several Bullets players such as Chimango Kaira have complained to his association that they fear for their lives and are subjected to a torrent of abuse wherever they go.
The association represents interests of past and present football people.
“We accept that mind games are part of football, but this is getting overboard. The attacks on players are as a result of careless statements. Fans go to the stadium believing their team cannot lose. In football, you have to accept and expect three results a draw, a win or loss,” Malunga explained.
“We, therefore, plead with our officials to be responsible when making public utterances. The harassment of players will affect up-and-coming players. It is unfair that everywhere players are being insulted.”
But Bullets supporters chairperson Geoffrey Mbalati on Wednesday said it was untrue that mind games are contributing to the attacks on players.
“While we condemn the fans’ behaviour, the reason could be that football is a game of emotions. Our clubs survive on good patronage and this is only possible through such mind games. My appeal to Bullets fans is that let us maintain our good reputation as peaceful fans, lest we scare away potential sponsors.
“Modern football has no room for violence. We must learn to accept results,” said Mbalati.
Bullets fans descended on Kayira, Dalitso Sailesi and Owen Chaima, blaming them for Sunday’s TNM Super League 3-1 loss to Silver Strikers at Kamuzu Stadium.
Players and coaches for Bullets, Mighty Wanderers and Silver Strikers are at the mercy of supporters. After a Bullets loss, the fans threaten to beat up and bar the players from jumping into the club bus.
Experienced football administrator Henry Chibowa on Wednesday said the attacks on players and coaches were so degrading as they are being treated like ‘refugees.’
He blamed officials for ignoring the good habits of the 1980s when they could play parental role, including being guardians and paying school fees for footballers.
“I agree that at times the remarks are bad. They need to talk football language. They need to be careful on what to say and what not to say,” the ex-Super League of Malawi president said.
