Clubs fault Sulom on AGM
Some TNM Super League clubs have accused Sulom of breaching its constitution as regards the annual general meeting (AGM) scheduled for August 29.
The clubs claim that although the Super League of Malawi (Sulom) constitution states that the invitation to the AGM, containing place and date fixed by the executive committee of Sulom shall be sent to its affiliates (clubs) not less than 28 days before the meeting, the top-flight league governing body has not sent the communication.
As of yesterday, which was 17 days before the general assembly, at least four clubs that The Nation spoke to—Silver Strikers, Nyasa Big Bullets, Be Forward Wanderers and Civil Service (Civo) United—claimed not to have received the communication.
The clubs said the situation is affecting their planning as they are not sure on whether the AGM will be held, especially considering the new government regulations restricting public gatherings.
Said Silver chief executive officer Thoko Chimbali: “They promised to have the AGM on August 29, but there is no communication so far and yet the Sulom Statutes require a 28-day notice.”
He also said in absence of the communication, as a club they are failing to contribute towards the agenda.
The constitution further states that any proposal that an affiliate wishes to submit to the AGM shall be sent to the general secretariat of Sulom in writing, with a brief explanation, at least 21 days before the AGM.
“It is like our hands are tied since there is no official communication about the AGM. So, on what basis can we make proposals?” wondered Chimbali.
Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said: “Sulom hasn’t communicated anything to us regarding the AGM and are wondering if it is indeed on. They surely should have communicated by now for planning purposes.”
On his part, Civo general secretary Ronald Chiwaula said: “So far no communication has been received and we are still not sure if the AGM will take place considering the government circular on public gatherings, maybe it will be done on zoom.”
But Sulom president Tiya Somba-Banda said the stipulated period for communication is 21 days which, in essence, would still be beyond the required timeline.
On whether the AGM will proceed in Lilongwe as planned considering the new Covid-19 measures restricting public gatherings to 10, he said: “Virtual AGM is inevitable.”
Seasoned football analyst Charles Nyirenda said being the owners of Sulom, it is the clubs’ responsibility to ensure that the constitution is followed to the letter when it comes to holding of such gatherings.
He said: “They [clubs] are not there for window dressing purposes, but for real business as such, they are at liberty to reject meeting at such short notice or in contravention of what the constitution stipulates.
“As regards the restrictions that government has put in place in the wake of Covid-19, that is food for thought because the dates for the AGM were set before the announcement of the restrictions.
“In which case, they can’t meet in a group, perhaps they could explore alternative ways of holding the AGM.”
Among other things, clubs want Sulom to update them on sponsorship negotiations with TNM plc and the way forward on the lengthy suspension of football at the general assembly.
