KB, Mafco apologise to Bullets, Wanderers
Kamuzu Barracks and Mafco FC have apologised to Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers for their violent behaviour during recent matches at Dedza Stadium and Chitowe Ground in Nkhotakota respectively.
During a stakeholders meeting that FAM and Sulom organised at Chiwembe Technical Centre on Thursday over the escalating violence between Army and civilian teams, Malawi Defence Force (MDF) teams assured that they will never ill-treat civilian clubs again.
At Dedza Stadium, supporters of hosts Kamuzu Barracks allegedly roughed up a female Bullets fan and intimidated the team’s officials and players during the Carlsberg Cup quarter-finals.
At Chitowe, Wanderers officials and players were beaten up by soldiers as Nomads players were having a feel of the pitch on the eve of their encounter against Mafco.
Such acts were said to be the main cause of civilian club supporters’ retaliatory attacks on Army teams at Kamuzu Stadium.
“We apologise for what we did in Dedza and we promise that such acts shall never happen again,” said Kamuzu Barracks’ vice-chairperson Lieutenant Duncan Taipi at the meeting chaired by Sulom president Innocent Bottomani.
“If you notice any of our players, officials or supporters involved in violence, do not hesitate to inform us. This is time to make peace,” he said.
The apology was echoed by KB club chairperson Lieutenant Colonel Wyford Kalisha and Mafco team manager Godfrey Makawano.
Bullets supporters general secretary Frank ‘Nyau’ Msiska and his Wanderers counterpart Yona Malunga said they have accepted the apology.
“We are happy that you have apologised. We will take this message to our fans,” said Msiska.
Bottomani and FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda welcomed the development, saying it will help to heal the wounds of soccer violence at match venues.
However, Nyirenda said all the fracas were avoidable had Sulom adhered to and implemented the Lilongwe Declaration, which is a pact FAM, Sulom and clubs signed to make football professional.
