Govt gets tough on supporters’ trip

Government has said it will set strict conditions for the national soccer team supporters who are planning to travel to Namibia to cheer the Flames during next weekend’s 2014 World Cup qualifier.

Youth and Sports Minister Enoch Chihana yesterday said this follows problems that arose during their [supporters] previous trips to Botswana and Mozambique.

National soccer team supporters committee vice-chairperson Yona Malunga and general secretary Anthony Nyasulu said they have stepped up mobilisation for fans to travel to Windhoek next week.

Malunga and Nyasulu had a brief meeting with Chihana in Blantyre on Tuesday where they asked government to consider assisting them with travel logistics.

Said Malunga: “The game against Namibia is very crucial for the Flames and, therefore, the need for some fans to travel to Namibia to give our team the moral support.”

Malunga and Nyasulu said they are planning on 30 supporters to make the trip by road.

“We have already approached government through the minister to consider assisting us with travel logistics in the form of a bus and fuel.

“On our own, we are planning to contribute money towards food and other minor expenses,” said Malunga.

Asked who will be responsible for their accommodation costs, Malunga said they will be sleeping in a bus to be provided by government.

“This is not a luxury trip. We are going there for a national cause and we are ready to sleep in a bus. We have done that before,” said Malunga.

He also said other logistics such as how much the supporters will be required to pay, will be decided in due course.

Malunga said they want the group to leave the country on Wednesday next week via Zambia and Botswana.

The flamboyant Flames top fan also said they have already started approaching companies for assistance.

However, while confirming having had a brief meeting with members of the national team supporters committee, Chihana stressed that government will only come in on condition that they should have enough funds to cater for other expenses of the trip.