Sulom, clubs say season was ‘unbearable’
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) and TNM Super League clubs have described the 2020/21 season as challenging and frustrating due to effects of Covid-19 pandemic.
The curtain for the top-flight league came down on Saturday when Nyasa Big Bullets were crowned champions at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre after their last league match against Karonga United, in which they came from behind to win 3-2.
Sulom general secretary Williams Banda described it as a season to forget.
He said: “It was an irregular and an awesome season at the same time. There were lots of challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the teams were pushed to the limit.
“The better part of the season was played without spectators which took off the excitement and worse still, this led to clubs being affected financially in terms of gate revenue.”
He, however, said funds from Fifa cushioned the financial challenges which clubs faced.
In his reaction, Mighty Wanderers acting chief executive officer Chauncy Gondwe said: ”It has been a challenge, the Covid-19 restrictions took a toll on clubs financially.
“Gate collections would have helped sustain some of our daily operations, but that was not the case. The absence of the fans also took off the rhythm. It was an abnormal season.”
Bullets chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda said: “It was an unusual season. Covid-19 had a great effect on us, especially in terms of revenue and it was also tough playing without the fans who are our 12th player for the better part of the season.
“We hope and pray that come next season, things will be back to normal.”
Civil Service United general secretary (GS) Ronald Chiwaula said: “This was one of the longest seasons ever, the longer the season, the more the expenses.
“The delay to kick off and the three-month break, coupled with the absence of the spectators had a big impact.
“We thank God Almighty that the season is finally over and we can have a moment’s respite and plan for the future.
“Congratulations to Bullets for winning the league and to those that have been relegated, there is always next time.”
Mighty Tigers technical director Robin ‘Abambo’ Alufandika said it is relieving that the season is finally over.
He said: “There was even a time we felt that we were not going to last the distance. We feared disbanding due to financial constraints which were worsened by Covid-19
“To think that the season is over offers some relief and we pray that we won’t go through the same experience in future.”
Karonga United GS Ramzey Simwaka said: “It was an extremely difficult season and we really struggled. We could not get partners on board due to effects of Covid-19, no spectators at matches. It was simply unbearable.”
