Mafco in Carlsberg Cup last 16

Mafco are through to the last 16 of the Carlsberg Cup without kicking a ball after Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) outfit Naming’omba failed to turn up for the round of 32 fixture at Civo Stadium yesterday.

Naming’omba general secretary McMillan Manda confirmed in an interview yesterday that the Thyolo-based outfit failed to travel to Lilongwe because they did not secure funds for transport.

“We did not get transport funds from our sponsor [Naming’omba Tea Estates Ltd]. Looking at time and logistical matters at this time of my writing, it is very unlikely that we can travel and make it to Lilongwe,” he said.

Manda said their budget for the Lilongwe was K500 000 which is four times what they could be forced to pay as fine.

“We are so disappointed that things have turned out like this,” he said.

FAM competitions manager Gomezgani Zakazaka said Naming’omba informally communicated that they would not fulfil the fixture.

“We are just waiting for their official letter because that will be the evidence of their withdrawal,” he said.

Zakazaka said Naming’omba should expect to be punished following their conduct.

“We will use the rules and regulations that govern the Carlsberg Cup when coming up with the verdict,” he said.

Article 4.5 of the Rules and Regulations reads: “If a team withdraws, then the team shall be liable to a fine of K100 000 at regional level and K2 million at national level, and in addition, the team shall be banned from participating in any competition organised by FAM or any of its bodies for a period of one year,” he said.

Naming’omba may also be banned from participating in SRFA, an affiliate of FAM.