Nomads reject Sulom witnesses

Mighty Wanderers FC on Saturday rejected witnesses that were brought by Sulom to testify in the case they are being charged of acts of violence during and after their Super League game against Blue Eagles at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Super League of Malawi (Sulom) disciplinary committee is charging Nomads with failing to control their supporters and failing to provide adequate security as the home team.

Nomads vice-general secretary Hubert Mfune confirmed appearing before the disciplinary committee, but refused to give more details.

But a well-placed source said the Nomads, who were also being represented by their GS and legal adviser David Kanyenda rejected Sulom witnesses on the basis that the accused were not allowed to bring witnesses.

“Wanderers’ argument was that these witnesses could not be neutral having been called by Sulom,” said the source.

He also said the Nomads could neither accept nor deny the charge because they felt it was vague.

“Kanyenda and his deputy [Mfune] said they could not accept responsibility for the violence because no one was apprehended to prove that Wanderers supporters were involved in the violence.

“Their other argument was that as the home team, they are not fully responsible for security and it is a panel comprising all stakeholders such as Sulom, police, stewards and both teams that is responsible and the home team does not dictate the composition of the panel,” he said.

During the hearing, Wanderers reportedly argued that they were not given the necessary support by security personnel when hell broke loose.

The Lali Lubani Road outfit also wondered why the hearing of their case came up earlier when their complaint against Mafco beating their players two months ago has not been heard.

The disciplinary hearing committee, which was chaired by a Father Nthini, also included Sulom executive committee members Willie Phalula, Gift Mkandawire and Trouble Kalua.