Sulom ponders removing pre-match training

The Super League of Malawi (Sulom) may consider scrapping off pre-match training on game venues until clubs understand procedures for doing so, general secretary Williams Banda has said.

Banda hinted at this on Saturday night in reaction to Mzuzu United players’ assault by suspected Big Bullets fans at Kamuzu Stadium on Friday afternoon, a day before losing 5-0 to the People’s Team.

“According to the stadium authorities, they [Mzuzu] forced their way into the stadium. They are supposed to inform Sulom about their intention to have a feel of a ground for us to in turn communicate with ground owners then the host team. This did not happen. We condemn the attack on Mzuzu United. It was very unfortunate that it was supporters assaulting players,” he explained.

Sulom regulations mandate visiting teams to train on a match venue from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm on the eve of a game with the hosts stepping in from 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Mzuzu reportedly arrived late at the stadium.

Mzuzu vice-team manager Seyani George Sumairi attributed their defeat by Bullets to injuries his players Mada Kaonga, Mayeso Ntchafu and Bruno Kasonga suffered when confronted by the fans. The players had bandaged cuts.

“We have lodged a complaint to Sulom and we played this game under protest. It was worse having our players beaten and today, the referee gifted Bullets three offside goals. To make matters worse, an assistant referee [name withheld] insulted our players as being stupid when they tried to reason with him,” Sumairi complained in a post-match interview.