BB, Nomads in fundraising match for injured Gona
Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers will on Sunday clash in a friendly match at Kamuzu Stadium to raise funds for the treatment of injured Bullets goalkeeper Vincent Gona.
Bullets team manager Billy Tewesa and Wanderers general secretary Mike Butao confirmed on Thursday that they are committed to helping the embattled custodian, who suffered a serious hamstring injury during a Carlsberg Cup quarter-final against Mafco in Lilongwe 10 months ago.
The goalkeeper needs K3.1 million (about $4 400) to undergo operation at BeitCure Hospital in Blantyre.
“We approached our ‘neighbours’ to help us in this noble cause and we are happy that they have accepted,” said Tewesa. “As Bullets, we want our goalkeeper to be in good shape and it is only through this fundraising game that we can achieve this goal.”
Gona expressed excitement with Bullets’ decision to finally arrange a fundraising match for him.
“I am happy that after a long time since I got injured, Bullets have remembered to help me in this big way,” said Gona, adding he is now feeling better as he is able to walk and might return to action once he goes through the knife and gets healed.
Bullets supporters’ committee chairperson Stone Mwamadi said this is the best way to go for the club to take good care of its players. He, however, urged the team’s executive committee to continue doing this so that they should not lose more lives through negligence as was the case with former midfielder Douglas Chirambo.
On the other hand, Butao said Nomads did not hesitate to accept Bullets’ request because they are aware of the importance of helping each other in times of need.
“Injuries are inevitable in football and the need to help one another is a must. We know that our main contribution to helping Gona is to take part in this fundraising match,” he said.
Butao said last season they also wanted to approach their rivals for a similar match when Ishmael Thindwa needed K1.5 million (about $2 100) for a surgery only that they were fortunate to have their sponsors Be Forward offering financial support.
The Nomads general secretary added that they might take a similar course of action soon to assist Peter Nselema, who has been out for at least three months through injury. n
