The rift that has rocked Big Bullets FC camp worsened yesterday when the entire Central Region executive committee stepped down en masse.
The decision came in the wake of a reported tense moment at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday morning when a group of Blantyre fans confronted and threatened the club’s vice-chairperson Austin Kasito over the remarks he made that Southern Region-based supporters would not be allowed to man the gates during Saturday’s Super League derby against Mighty Wanderers.
One of the Central Region executive members, Wahid Osman, and Kasito himself confirmed the development.
“Following the nasty scenes that occurred on Saturday morning when Mr. Kasito was nearly roughed up for his tough stance on the gate-management system, we have written a joint resignation letter signed by all the 10 executive members. We cannot progress when others are pulling and yet others are pushing,” said Osman.
He added that it was a shame that some Southern Region-based fans hired a minibus using club resources and travelled all the way to the capital city to confront Kasito and also to man the gates.
“Our plan was that proceeds from the big match should be used to settle players outstanding dues, it is very unfortunate,” said Osman.
Kasito confirmed stepping down.
“I cannot say much. Suffice to say what happened here on Saturday was very frightening. The fans who were wielding pangas and machetes shouted that they wanted to deal with me because, they said I am out to destroy the team.
“It had to take the intervention of well-wishers and later on the police to calm the situation. My crime is that I am preaching tough financial measures for the good of the team and in particular the players.
“So, having discussed the unfortunate events, we agreed to step down. The letter has since been forwarded to the executive committee,” he said.
Kasito said the issue surrounding his alleged intimidation is in the hands of the police.
“They recorded a statement from me and assured that the issue will be investigated,” he said.
Bullets general secretary Higger Mkandawire expressed ignorance on the issue yesterday.
“I am not aware of anything of that sort,” said Mkandawire.
Kasito and Central Region Big Bullets executive committee members have not been in a good relationship with their Southern Region counterparts since the controversy that surrounded Gabadinho Mhango’s deal.
Apart from Kasito and Osman, other CR executive members that have signed the resignation letter are Victor Msowoya, Mphatso Kalinde, Mnenula, Alfred Mbale, McDonald Mwamadi, Joe Twaibu, Patrick Kachere, Lewis Mwale and Henry Mwangomba. n
