Bible verse causes havoc at Tigers

Tigers captain Mapopa Msukwa’s pre-match preaching on Sunday angered coach Leo Mpulula and led to the suspension of three senior players.

Msukwa, Mike Kaziputa and Timothy Chitedze were told to stop training with the team until further notice because of an argument that ensued after Msukwa’s preaching. The coach texted the suspension message to the players.

Mpulula could not be reached for comment as he was said to be busy with Under-17 national team training, but he told Zodiak Broadcasting Service (ZBS) that he no longer comments on players’ disciplinary issues in the media.

The club’s technical director Robin Alufandika confirmed the suspension of the three, but refused to reveal their crimes, insisting it was an internal matter.

In an exclusive interview on Wednesday, Msukwa said the problem started prior to the team’s 2-0 loss to Bullets on Sunday, when Mpulula protested against Msukwa’s preaching about grudges.

“Leo [Mpulula] handled the prayers on Saturday and we lost 2-0 to BT United. Then, he sent me a text saying we should find someone to handle the prayers on Sunday because he had done his part on Saturday.

“On Sunday, Musakaike Mlenga started the session with a verse from Philippians 3, which talked about encouraging us not to give up because God cannot abandon us. Then, I took over with a reading from Isaiah 58, which says we need not have grudges against each other because no matter how hard we pray or fast, if we have grudges against others, God will never answer our prayers,” said Msukwa.

He added: “Suddenly, the coach protested, saying my preaching was wrong and I was the one who has grudges with people in the team. It sounded a personal attack and I decided to go home; not to play the game against Bullets.”

He said at the game, Kaziputa tried to pump sense into his colleagues that they cannot succeed if they argue over prayers hence the coach told him he was suspended too.

“When Timothy asked what happened, he also became a victim. On Monday, the coach sent me a text message, telling me that anyone who mentions the name of Mike and Timothy will be dealt with. So, I spoke about that to my fellow players and later he sent a text saying I should stop training as well.”

Chitedze confirmed being a victim for commenting on Kaziputa’s remarks whereas Kaziputa could not be reached for comment.

Mpulula’s alleged message to the players reads: “After your suspension, your coming will not be automatic. We are going to sit down and see if [it is] necessary for you to be in the team; otherwise, I for one, am done with you. Nice time. You will receive half upkeep allowance at the end of the month, pending last decision from us.”

Mpulula insisted that the matter is too internal for debate in the media.

“Nowadays, I only comment about the performance of the team on the pitch and not such issues,” he told ZBS radio.

Alufandika said the decision to suspend the three was done by the entire technical panel and not Mpulula alone.

“Leo [Mpulula] just communicated the message, but it was not his sole decision. The players will face a disciplinary hearing shortly, which will be called by a disciplinary committee headed by our general secretary Geoffrey Kachale. They committed a team crime and must defend themselves,” he said. He defended the use of text messages by their coach in communicating critical issues with his players.

“When the players have done well, the coach uses SMS to commend them. When he wants to communicate about travel arrangements, training schedules and even logistics such as allowances, he uses the same text messages, so why is it an issue when he uses the same for disciplinary matters?

At the beginning of the seasons, Mpulula offloaded more than 10 players, who allegedly were fired through text messages as well.