BB, Nomads give Mtambo ultimatum
Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers supporters on Monday gave Human Right Defenders Coalition (HRDC) chairperson Timothy Mtambo a 72-hour ultimatum to withdraw his statement that they will lobby members of Parliament not to approve the allocation of funds in the 2019/20 National Budget for the construction of their stadia.
This followed President Peter Mutharika’s assurance to the two teams that there would be a provision for the projects in the budget presented last Monday.
Led by Wanderers supporters chairperson Melvin Nkunika and Bullets director of supporters Stone Mwamadi, the fans warned that if Mtambo sticks to his guns, they will hold vigils at HRDC offices.
Mtambo was quoted on Nation Online on Monday as having said that his organisation would lobby parliament to reject Mutharika’s proposal.
“Let Mtambo know that he is also infringing on our rights as citizens of this country to have a share of the national cake. In Lilongwe, Silver Strikers and Civil Sporting enjoy government support and use government facilities. Why should big teams like Bullets and Wanderers not enjoy such privileges as well,” said Nkunika amid cheers from the fans
“Mtambo has to withdraw his statement or he will face the wrath of the two teams as we will hold vigils at HRDC offices.”
On his part, Mwamadi said: “Some will refer to me as a DPP cadet, but I am director of supporters at Bullets and we are also endorsing the ultimatum against Mtambo.”
But Mtambo said he will not be moved by the supporters threats as long as Mutharika makes it clear that the stadiums will be constructed using his personal money or Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) finances and not through government coffers.
“We are also supporters of these teams, but people should understand that Bullets and Wanderers are private entities and as Malawi, our priorities include funding the health and education sectors,” he said.
