Covid-19 stifles clubs’ dreams
Nyasa Big Bullets and Blue Eagles say they are uncertain about their participation in continental tournaments due to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Bullets, who retained the TNM Super League title last season, indicated that they would take part in the CAF Champions League while Eagles expressed interest to join the CAF Confederation Cup.
However, in an interview yesterday, the People’s Team chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said everything has been halted due to the Covid-19 situation.
He said: “There hasn’t been any discussion to this effect. Suffice to say that everything hinges on the coronavirus situation.”
On his part, Eagles’ chairperson Alexander Ngwala said they have not had feedback from their sponsors Malawi Police Services.
He said: “Everything has come to a standstill due to the current situation and, therefore, we have no choice but to wait.”
Eagles are eligible to take part in the Confederation Cup by virtue of being Fisd Challenge Cup champions.
Football Association of Malawi licensing and compliance manager Casper Jangale said the 2020/21 editions of the CAF club tournaments are most likely to be delayed as the current editions, which were in the final stages, were also suspended due to the pandemic.
“So, we will wait for CAF’s guidance on the way forward,” he said.
Last year, Bullets and Masters Security took part in CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, respectively, but were eliminated in the preliminary stages.
Bullets captain Chimango Kayira said he is hoping that they will still take part in the continental club tournament as it offers a platform for players’ exposure.
“It offers an opportunity for players, especially those that do not play for national teams, to showcase their skills to a wider audience,” he said.
