Nomads, BB in bid to defuse tension
Be Forward Wanderers chairperson Gift Mkandawire has appealed to the Nomads family not to take a hardline on Nyasa Big Bullets following the storm which erupted after they signed defender Precious Sambani.
Soon after Sambani’s move, Nomads general secretary Mike Butao declared that they would no longer be involved in any working relationship with the People’s Team while main supporters committee secretary Samuel Mponda said they would protest by marching to Bullets’ sponsors Nyasa Manufacturing Company [NMC] offices.
However, Mkandawire has chosen to take a reconciliatory tone, saying taking a hardline on Bullets could fuel tension between the country’s football powerhouses.
Said the Nomads’ chairperson: “I believe we all have emotions, especially when you feel betrayed.
“It is important that we keep away from provocations and live together. We believe this will not happen again and we have peace. If, as leaders we spit hate, the supporters base will also be explosive with hate.”
He said taking such a route could disturb the entire football family and all the teams would be affected.
“So, it is important to live in peace and that can only be achieved if we act in trust. We will not accept suspicious actions among us,” said Mkandawire.
On his part, Bullets chief executive officer Fleetwood Haiya said they value partnerships “and as such, we do not have any intention whatsoever to end the good working relationship we have with Wanderers and other stakeholders”.
He said: “As Bullets we cannot stand on our own, we rely on other teams and that is why we are affiliated to Sulom alongside the other 15 teams.
“We cannot divide the supporters as you know we are ‘neighbours’ and we will ensure that we meet them.”
Briefing journalists on the sidelines of Babatunde’s unveiling on Monday in Blantyre, Butao said: “Unfortnately our colleagues opted for two minutes of fame and ignored the gains that would come from such a powerful combination which is sad, but we are OK with that.
“We have always existed as a lone entity. Going forward, we are no longer working with Bullets on anything. I believe that Wanderers has got some of the wisest heads in football administration.”
Asked if they had a formal partnership with Bullets, Butao said: “Not necessarily, but we have been working together in a number of areas and one of them was the joint bid to lease the Kamuzu Stadium from government.”
On his part, the Nomads’ main supporters committee secretary Samuel Mponda said they are planning to protest Sambani’s deal by marching from their clubhouse to Bullets’ sponsors Nyasa Manufacturing Company [NMC] offices.
“And if FAM will not help us on this issue, then they should expect a difficult 2019 season because we are bitter,” he said.n
