Regional clubs shun Carlsberg Cup

The absence of prizes at regional phase of the Carlsberg Cup has frustrated at least 13 eligible teams from taking part this year.

All the regional leagues’ premier division teams qualify for the annual competition.

But Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) general secretary Masiya Nyasulu and Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) vice-general secretary Kingsley Simbeye yesterday confirmed the 13 teams have opted out due to lack of incentives.

Carlsberg Cup prizes are only distributed at the national phase, where 16 regional league teams (the best three from the North, five from the Centre and eight from the South) compete for the ultimate glory against 16 TNM Super League teams.

Zomba United are the only lower league side to reach the paid ranks when they lost to Nyasa Big Bullets  in 2014  final.

Lufita FC general secretary Jailosi Ghambi, whose team is one of the NRFA sides that have abandoned the contest, said they spend a lot of money to fulfil their regional fixtures.

“At present, there is nothing that motivates us to join the Carlsberg Cup,” he said.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) acting competitions manager Casper Jangale said he would take the concern to the body’s competitions committee for consideration.

“The essence of the competition is for teams to aim for the ultimate prize. Regional teams can make it if they play their cards well because winning a cup competition is about the game plan. Nowadays, big teams struggle against the so-called smaller outfits,” he said.