Banned Civil coach gets temporary relief

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) says Civil Sporting Club coach Oscar Kaunda can resume work despite receiving a one-year ban last year.

The ban came after Kaunda was found guilty of insulting and bullying match officials during the Fisd Challenge Cup round of 32 match against Karonga United at Civo Stadium.

FAM communication and competition director Gomezgani Zakazaka said the decision to allow him continue working comes after Civil appealed against the ruling.

“There is no verdict on the appeal because we have not yet set the hearing,” he said.

The appeal was filed last year, but Zakazaka dismissed suggestions that the delay means justice denied.

“We have been occupied with other important matters. But this is not a matter of delaying justice because we have communicated to Civil that he can still work until a fresh verdict is issued,” he said.

Civil general secretary Ronald Chiwaula said they are comfortable with the FAM arrangement which temporarily frees Kaunda.

“We got the communication and Oscar is very much part of the team in preparations for the new season,” he said.

Chiwaula, however, pointed out that they do not have plan B in the event that FAM upholds its earlier verdict on Kaunda.

“We currently don’t have anyone waiting on the wings to step in. But in the event that he is banned, we might beef up the technical panel with someone from our youth team,” he said. n