Big Bullets threaten not to travel to Lilongwe

In a dramatic twist of events, Big Bullets have vowed not to honour their Carlsberg Cup semi-final fixture against Mighty Wanderers that has been slated for Lilongwe on July 26 unless FAM commits to meet the expenses.

Bullets, through their general secretary Harold Fote, have since accused FAM of exploitation.

In a statement issued earlier this week, FAM said the Blantyre derby would be played in Lilongwe as part of the sponsor Carlsberg Malawi’s street bash dubbed ‘My Country, My Carlsberg’ slated for July 25.

“It does not make economic sense for teams that are both based in Blantyre to play in Lilongwe,” said Fote.

He said Bullets are ready to play in Lilongwe on condition that they are given K1 million (US$2 433.1) to meet their expenses.

Mighty Wanderers chairperson George Chamangwana also said they would have no problems playing in Lilongwe if the organisers would subsidise the expenses.

However, FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda yesterday said the announcement about the Blantyre derby being staged in the capital was just a proposal.

Asked further if the teams costs would be met in the event that the organising committee settles for Lilongwe, Nyirenda said: “That is what I am saying. Let us cross the bridge first.”

“We have not received any communication pertaining to that [from Bullets] and besides, it was just a proposal and we are yet to make a final determination,” said Nyirenda.