BB, Nomads fundraiser grosses K5.4 million

Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers fundraiser for injured Bullets goalkeeper Vincent Gona on Sunday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre grossed K5.4 million (about $7 800).

However, only K1.6 million (about $2 310) will go towards the treatment of Gona, who needs at least K3.6 million (about $5 200) to undergo surgery at Beit-Cure International Hospital in Blantyre, following a hamstring injury he suffered during Carlsberg Cup quarterfinal between Bullets and Mafco 10 months ago.

Bullets head of marketing Isaac Norman told The Nation on Monday  that after the match, they still have a K2 million (about $2 890) deficit to cover the hospital expenses for their ailing goalkeeper.

“The game grossed K5.4 million, but Bullets and Wanderers equally shared the K3.2 million net; meaning it is our K1.6 million share that will go towards the treatment of Gona,” Norman said.

“We have referred the issue back to our executive committee who will make arrangements on how to find the remaining sum.”

When The Nation asked Wanderers general secretary Mike Butao why they claimed an equal share from the net instead of surrendering a bigger chunk of the money to Bullets for the cause, he said, as per their agreement, Nomads contribution was their participation in the fundraiser.

“We made it clear from the start that our contribution towards the treatment of their [Bullets] goalkeeper would be our presence in the match because as a club, we also have some issues that need money to sort out. The fans could not come in their large numbers had Bullets played against any other team,” he said.

The match ended in a one-all draw. Dave Ng’ambi scored for Bullets while Bongani Kaipa equalised for the Nomads.  n