Clubs getting anxious on fixture delay
Some TNM Super League clubs have said they have serious doubts on whether the TNM Super League will roll out next week as they are yet to be communicated by the Super League of Malawi (Sulom).
Complicating the matter further is the communication some clubs have received relating to a bonanza to raise funds for flood survivors, which is also earmarked for next weekend.
Nyasa Big Bullets chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda said in an interview yesterday that considering the developments, they don’t see the league rolling out next week.
“There is absolutely nothing on the ground. Everything being equal, by now we should have received communication from Sulom regarding kick-off, but there is nothing.
“Besides that, up to now we have not received the fixtures which is crucial for planning purposes both technically and administratively.
“As if that is not enough, we are also getting communication about participation in a bonanza scheduled for next week.
“It is like running a bush or social league and not an elite national league.”
Mighty Wanderers board secretary Humphrey Mvula badly said he does not see the league kicking off next week.
He said: “There is this bonanza and then there are no indications whatsoever that we will start next week. Look, up to now, fixtures have not yet been released.
“Teams could be ready, but the regulator appears not to be ready because they have not resolved outstanding issues such as television rights, alleged referees’corruption, primunitive actions against teams and Covid-19 restrictions’effects have not been resolved.
“We want to sit down to have a conversation on issues of hygine in football.”
Civil Service United general secretary Ronald Chiwaula said they are still waiting for official communication from Sulom regarding kick-off complete with fixtures to enable them plan both administratively and technically.
“Otherwise, we are not sure as of now,” he said.
On his part, Ngwala said it is unfortunate that Sulom is yet to provide fixtures with slightly over a week before kick-off.
He said: “Surely, this is really sleeping while on duty. Organisers should wake up from their deepest slumber and share fixtures with the teams.
“As teams we are affected because we don’t know who and where we’ll play and that affects our planning both administratively and technically.
“This is the first time to experience such a delay in the release of fixtures.”
Karonga United general secretary Ramzy Simwaka said: “I wonder whether we are indeed kicking off next week. A good preparation goes with the fixture and the situation is really affecting us.”
Sulom general secretary Williams Banda was not available for comment on Monday and yesterday, but he told Zodiak Broadcasting Station last week that the delay to release fixtures was because of the slow process of determining match venues.
