Blantyre Utd to probe match-fixing claims
Blantyre United have launched an internal investigation into claims that some of their players gave away Sunday’s TNM Super League match to Silver Strikers, when they lost 5-0.
The defeat, which was their biggest, ended their title hopes.
Following the defeat, there have been strong accusations by soccer followers on the social media networks that United fixed the match after some of their players were paid.
United technical director Lawson Nakoma said they are concerned about the allegations and have instituted an internal probe.
“The result was embarrassing and surprising considering we were title contenders. We did not play as we used to, so we need to investigate and by Thursday, we should come up with the truth,” said Nakoma.
Coach Elia Kananji said after the match that Silver outplayed them.
Meanwhile, Silver are contemplating taking legal action against people alleging that they have been bribing teams, referees as well as influencing Sulom to schedule fixtures in their favour.
The team’s chairperson McDonald Mafuta-Mwale said their legal team is currently building a case on the same.
“We feel the image of the club is being ridiculed with these ongoing accusations made publicly and officially by teams’ officials and supporters. So, we want our legal team to clear this,” said Mafuta-Mwale.
Epac patron Dean Josiah Banda has since said he will ensure that his players and technical panel are not enticed by money as they face Silver Strikers on Saturday.
Banda made the remarks in response to the said postings on Facebook and radio interviews by soccer administrators and fans on fears that Epac, who use the Silver Stadium as their home ground might just give away points.
“What people should know is that Epac want to finish either in the top six or top eight to be eligible for Carlsberg Top Eight or Standard Bank Top Six,” said Banda.
Epac will play Bullets and Blantyre United in the other remaining games.
Banda, however, admitted that due to financial vulnerability of some of his players, it is possible that some of them could be enticed by money to sell the game.
When the two teams played in the first round, Epac beat Silver 3-1 at Silver Stadium.
