Two of the three TNM Super League title contenders FCB Nyasa Bullets and Mighty Wanderers have expressed concern about the arrangement that will see them play on different days in upcoming mid-week fixtures in the run-in to the title chase.
The Nomads, who lie second on the log table, are tied on 59 points with leaders Bullets with four games apiece to wind up the season. The People’s Team has the bragging rights courtesy of a better goal difference.
thought. I Courtesy of Sulom
Bullets face Malawi Defence Force (MDF) side Moyale Barracks at Mzuzu Stadium tomorrow while the
Nomads will be in action the following day against Karonga United at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
In an interview yesterday, Wanderers chief executive officer Panganeni Ndovi said playing on different days would be a recipe for match-fixing.
He said: “To be honest, we do not understand why such a situation is arising, especially when our rivals [Bullets] are playing away yet we cannot be given our fixture on the same day.
“These are the final stages of the title race and uniformity in scheduling is important for the integrity of the competition. When one contender plays earlier and another plays later, it naturally raises unnecessary questions and perceptions.”
Ndovi said they believe fixtures should be aligned to avoid any impression, “however unfounded, of match-fixing or undue advantage”.
He said: “Our focus remains on the pitch, but we hope the relevant authorities will ensure fairness and transparency in the scheduling process moving forward.”
His Bullets counterpart Albert Chigoga also raised concerns on the fixture alignment.
He said: “We have played four consecutive away league matches, keeping us away from home for full two weeks, consequently covering over 2 600 kilometres.
“Perhaps playing two consecutive away matches would be more bearable, but four matches? That’s extremely excessive!
“Shockingly, whether it is by design or not, our fellow title contenders [Wanderers] have five consecutive home matches in the run-in. Where in the world of football has this ever happened? This is a painful hit under our belt.
“Knowing that we are the biggest football club in the country, you hardly hear us bleat like others. We accept the situation as it is and we will keep working hard to win our remaining games.
“If the same grace of playing five conservative home matches in the title run-in fell on us, you would hear everyone bleating and calling us names.”
On the title contenders playing on different days being recipe to potential match-fixing, Super League of Malawi general secretary Williams Banda said: “It depends on definition of match-fixing, but we do appreciate the observations and schedules that teams are following.
“It is food for thought.”
Also in contention for the title are Lilongwe-based third-placed reigning champions Silver Strikers, who trail the top two teams by six points, but with a game in hand.
