Bullets supporters petition trustees

Nyasa Big Bullets FC supporters yesterday petitioned the club’s board of trustees to call for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) within 21 days.

Among other issues, the members want the EGM to discuss club ownership, composition of the executive committee and handling of finances.

Hundreds of supporters led by their chairperson Stone Mwamadi, marched from the club house to offices of board of trustees chairperson James Busile at Naperi in Blantyre where they presented the petition.

Busile assured the supporters that he would look into all the issues that have been raised and act accordingly.

“All the issues that they have raised are pertinent and they have also followed the proper procedures. Over and above that, I am happy that they were orderly.

“This matter will be taken up with my fellow trustees and the executive committee and I do not see why an EGM should not be called,” he said.

The petition, dated July 5 2016, was signed by Mwamadi, secretary of the main supporters committee Manzy Chikoti and regional supporters committees’ chairpersons.

“Reference is made to the meeting held last month between national supporters [committee] representatives from across the country and you sir, which was held at your office.

“Supporters, through their representatives again appeal and request your office to call for an [EGM] within 21 days from July 5 2016,” reads part of the letter.

In an interview later on, Mwamadi quoted Article 5.7b of the club’s constitution as giving the supporters powers to call for an EGM.

“The members may also request a meeting which must be held within twenty one days from the date of the requisition in writing [and] signed by not less than one third of the paid up members,” reads part of the article.

“We have fulfilled all such requirements and we expect the board of trustees to call for the EGM because the issues that we have cited are crucial and need urgent attention.

“The issue of club ownership for example, is crucial in line with the club licensing, so too the composition of the executive committee as the majority of those that were voted into office, either resigned or were removed. The current executive committee setup, does not, therefore, form a quorum,” said Mwamadi.

He further said the issue of finances will be key as the club has used almost half of its annual sponsorship yet the players have not been paid their dues such as signing on fees amounting to K43 million.

“We have also heard that the team’s leadership has been overdrawing sponsorship and we feel the EGM is the right forum to discuss the issue as the sponsor [Nyasa Manufacturing Company] is on record as having complained against that tendency.”

Bullets acting general secretary Kelvin Moyo said as main stakeholders, the supporters are only expressing their right.

“These are paid up members and if they feel that there are some crucial issues that need to be tackled through an EGM, so be it. The issue is now beyond us,” he said. n