Malawi’s three big football outfits—Big Bullets, Mighty Wanderers and Silver Strikers—have snubbed Sulom’s cut-off point to submit players mandatory contracts.
Initially, the Super League of Malawi (Sulom) set May 10 as the deadline, but gave a grace period of up to Tuesday May 28.
But Sulom general secretary Williams Banda said while they had verbal assurances from all the three teams that the contracts were being finalised, they had not yet submitted the documents.
“From the teams that were remaining, only the Army sides [Red Lions, Mafco and Moyale Barracks] have submitted contracts for the players. The others have just given us assurances that they will be doing so soon,” he said.
Asked if there are any repercussions, Banda said: “The players will automatically become free agents with effect from the next transfer window as they will not be tied and they can join a team of their choice if they so wish.”
But the three teams have said they are taking their time because contractual issues are sensitive.
“Sulom can do whatever they want to, but we’ll not be forced to submit contracts when the process is still ongoing.
“We know they have so much power, let them take any action, we are not worried. Our position remains that we’ll submit the contracts at our own convenient time,” said Silver Strikers chairperson Dr. McDonald Mafuta-Mwale.
He said players cannot be forced to sign contracts because they need to consult widely.
“On our part, we also need to seek advice from our legal team. It is not as straightforward as they are putting it,” he said.
Nomads general secretary David Kanyenda said their players are demanding signing-on fee before they can put pen to paper.
“We are facing some financial hiccups because we used the first tranche of the sponsorship from Carlsberg [K5 million] on buying players and other things. And then we are optimistic that we will win the Presidential Cup and part of the proceeds from the prize money will go towards that.
“The other thing is that contracts are delicate and there is need for thorough consultations before we can sign the documents, but we will give them copies,” said Kanyenda.
On his part, Bullets general secretary Higger Mkandawire claimed that they did not get official communication regarding the cut-off point.
“What I know is that we asked for more time to finalise the process. A contract is not an easy thing. After all, Sulom is just a third part to the process and therefore the need to take our time.”
Earlier this month, Banda told The Nation that players ignorance about what contracts mean to their career prospects and clubs’ struggles to meet contractual obligations have emerged as reasons behind the delay.
“Being a new phenomenon, players have been seeking clarification. There is lack of understanding as to what the contracts entail,” Banda was quoted as saying.
Every team is required to register at least 30 players per season and the development means 90 players could become free agents at the end of the first round.
