BB treasurer Lipipa resigns
Nyasa Big Bullets FC treasurer Noel Lipipa has resigned citing financial mismanagement by executive committee as the reason behind his decision.
“I have resigned due to the serious financial mismanagement happening at the club. There were some financial transactions taking place without my knowledge and, as the one responsible for the finances, I fear I might be blamed for these malpractices if I continue to serve the club,” said Lipipa.
He added that he could not be part of the administration that is geared to spend more than what they can get in the 2016 season.
“The executive committee wants to spend K130 million this season yet we get from the sponsors K100 million annual allocation, of which K25 million is for merchandise. Annual salaries for the players have been pegged at K79.2 million from last season’s K18 million while their signing on fees have increased from K20 million to K50 million,” said Lipipa.
He said: “It is a simple logic that in any business you do not spend more than what you get. Yet, when I query on such issues, I am labelled a rebel. It is better for me to resign now than face the trouble at the end of the season.”
He explained that he was surprised to note that he was given a financial report that indicated the club’s expenditure as K8 million in February yet it was K18.3 million that was withdrawn from Bullets bank account without his knowledge.
“The club’s expenditure will even increase further due to the K6.8 million loss we incurred during Bullets’ recent international friendly matches against Zimbabwe’s Dynamos at Kamuzu Stadium and Civo Stadium.
“As a businessperson, I know the kind of problems such deeds bring and I believe the best option is for me to resign,” Lipipa explained.
Bullets vice-general secretary Kelvin Moyo described Lipipa’s stepping down as regrettable.
“Any resignation is regrettable,” said Moyo.
Nevertheless, his resignation has coincided with demands from sponsors Nyasa Manufacturing Company (NMC), Bullets supporters and players for him to step down alongside the club’s vice-chairperson Sadiki Malinga, general secretary Titha Mandiza and vice-treasurer Alex Gondwe.
Lipipa and the other three executive members were believed to belong to a faction that was against the Chilunga leadership; hence, the source of the infighting that threatened to force NMC to pull out sponsorship.
On their part, vice-chairperson Malinga and vice-treasurer Gondwe said they are yet to make a decision.
“Let me talk to you tomorrow. I have to meet stakeholders and I will make my decision after that,” Malinga said.
When called yesterday, general secretary Mandiza said she was not interested in talking to the media.
On Wednesday, Bullets players boycotted training at Kamuzu Stadium in protest the four executive members’ delay to resign.
