Kawinga match fixing case closed—FAM

Kawinga FC’s promotion to the TNM Super League has been confirmed following St Gabriel Namitete Zitha’s failure to appeal the match fixing case verdict after 48 hours.

Zitha FC lodged a complaint with Chipuku League, claiming that Ngolowindo FC connived with the newly-crowned Central Region Football Association (CRFA) Chipiku Stores League champions not honour their fixture to ensure that Zitha do not secure a win by more goals and close in on goal difference with the leaders.

CRFA disciplinary committee verdict found Zitha, Kawinga and Ngolowindo guilty of match manipulation and meted out various punishments.

Kawinga and Zitha were fined K500 000 and their officials suspended from football activities for various periods while Ngolowindo has been banned for three years.

Zitha indicated that they would challenge CRFA disciplinary committee verdict.

But the club’s general secretary Wellington Nzunga in an interview yesterday confirmed they had given up.

“We have decided not to pursue the matter anymore,” he said.

CRFA disciplinary committee secretary Odala Kachingwe in an interview yesterday said the case is closed following Zitha’s decision not to appeal.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) club licensing manager Casper Jangale in an interview also confirmed that Kawinga are now promoted to the TNM Super League.

He said: “CRFA wrote St Gabriel Zitha and all concerned parties about the ruling and they were given a chance to appeal to FAM.

“So far, none of them has appealed to challenge the verdict which means Kawinga have been confirmed as the team promoted to the TNM Super League after emerging Chipiku League champions.”

Before the verdict, FAM ordered CRFA that it would take over the match fixing investigation.

A letter from FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda to CRFA reads: “Kindly provide FAM with all the results of Kawinga FC and St Gabriel Zitha FC not later than Friday January 26 2024, indicating also matches in which points were awarded from the opponents not fulfilling the fixtures.

“In addition also provide all the results of Kamuzu Barracks Reserves, Mangoni Warriors, Leyman Panthers and Ngolowindo FC to kick start our probe into the issue of match fixing or manipulation allegations.”

However, CRFA argued that it was mandated to investigate the case and that FAM should wait and get involved when the teams appeal.

A response letter from CRFA chairperson Austin Ajawa reads: “CRFA has its own committee dedicated to gathering information, conducting hearings and handling such issues.

“I urge you to allow the CRFA to complete its part in adjucating the case. Any queries or dissatisfaction arising from the concluded precedent can later be appealed to FAM as is standard procedure.”

However, CRFA’s ruling raised eyebrows as it only banned Ngolowindo and fined Kawinga and Zitha.

Football analyst Patrick Zgambo called the ruling as a gross incompetence and injustice.

He said: “I am still laughing after digesting the ridiculous decision of the CRFA and its disciplinary committee.

“From the way they conducted the investigation; The handling of evidence gathering, the ridiculous verdict and the double standards, it doesn’t inspire confidence that it’s fair, objective and that someone is in charge.”

But Jangale said FAM has no power to intervene.

“Our hands are tied. The only way FAM would have intervened was if someone appealed.”