Clubs agree to Sulom’s restart proposal
TNM Super League clubs have agreed to Sulom’s proposal to resume the top-flight league under the current public gathering restrictions.
The revised public health guidelines to prevent the further spread of Covid-19 restrict public gatherings to 50 people.
The clubs which The Nation spoke to confirmed having been engaged by the Super League of Malawi (Sulom) on the issue at the weekend and that they gave their seal of approval.
Sulom general secretary (GS) Williams Banda said: “All the teams agreed to start with strict Covid-19 precautionary measures and a maximum of 50 people.
“However, there is need to plan properly and ensure that all players and officials are tested before we resume.
“It was further resolved that resuming without spectators was the most ideal option.
“The clubs understand the situation in which we are as a country and we understand the situation of the players and clubs in particular.”
The Sulom GS said with the roll-out of the vaccine, the clubs appreciate the role government is playing in mitigating the pandemic.
“Therefore, we need to put our efforts together,” said Banda.
On his part, Karonga United GS Ramzy Simwaka said: “I took part in the discussion to agree on restarting with 50, it will be a challenge, but for us what we need is football on the ground.”
Nyasa Big Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said: “The prolonged football inactivity is a great concern to the clubs as we are spending without kicking the ball.
“It’s really tough to be honest. So, it’s a situation of making do with what is at your disposal.”
Mzuzu Warriors GS Donnex Chilonga said propositions were made to have the games start.
“And one of the viable propositions was to indeed consider resuming the games with 50 people.
“It’s a welcome suggestion if the figure is broken down properly, otherwise the game of football is really suffering from the neglect,” he said.
Ekwendeni Hammers chairperson Mabuchi Mkandawire described the resolution as a good development, saying teams have already spent alot during the prolonged season.
“This is going to be a timely relief for clubs, especially small teams which have been heavily affected,” he said.
However, Be Forward Wanderers GS Victor Maunde said while they were part of the discussion, they do not agree with the resolution to start with 50 people.
“We are for resumption, but not with a maximum of 50 people. Realistically, it would be a challenge,” he said.
But Civil Servive (Civo) United GS Ronald Chiwaula described the resolution as surprising and shocking.
He said: “What it means is football in Malawi was never suspended by the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, the recommendations has always been a gathering of not more than 50, and here we are resuming with the same recommendation.
“So, the question that comes to mind is why did we stop anyway? We just delayed ourselves. However, we will just follow as agreed, but surely time has been wasted.”
