Sulom backs Fam schedulea

Super League of Malawi (Sulom) says it fully supports FAM’s approach and schedule towards football resumption, saying the process needs to be systematic and realistic.

Sulom president Tiya Somba Banda was reacting to calls by a section of the supporters for Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to fast-track the resumption of football from August to later this month.

He said: “We entirely support FAM’s systematic approach to football resumption.

“There are several factors that need to be considered such as the physical condition of the players.

“After consulting medical personnel, we were advised that players will need a minimum of four to six weeks to get back in shape and avoid injuries.”

Somba Banda also said over and above that, they need to ensure that together with FAM, they should consult extensively on how they will put in place the preventive measures against the spread of coronavirus “so that we start the season in the safest manner possible”.

However, spokesperson of the concerned supporters Mabvuto Chibambo said much as they understand the Sulom president’s explanation, they are still of the view that football can resume much earlier.

 “What he [Sulom president] is saying is true. We know that players need to be given ample time to train and regain match fitness. They also need to play a few friendly matches. But then our point is that FAM is delaying to give the clubs the go ahead to start training.

“If the teams were training, by now they [players] should have been ready for the season by early or mid-July.

“So, while they might have their stand, we also have own position and we know what we are talking about. There are many people that we are representing,” he said.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said much as the association appreciates the supporters position, they need to exercise patience so that procedures are followed.

He said: “We know that weekends are no longer the same for the fans and they are bored stiff. Covid-19 has been a major blow for them, but the guidance of the authorities will be very critical during this process.

“We need to consult extensively so that we start in the safest manner possible,” he said.