The Zone VI Golf Tournament and the Flames trip to China for an international friendly match are likely to be affected by the 10 days of mourning of President Bingu wa Mutharika who died on Thursday.
Sports Council executive secretary George Jana on Sunday said they have asked the Golf Union of Malawi (GUoM) to consider shifting the regional golf tournament by a week as it is slated to be staged during the mourning period.
The golf tournament is scheduled to run from April 16-19 at the Lilongwe Golf Club (LGC).
Said Jana: “We have asked GUoM to shift the tournament by a week and we are waiting for the feedback which we should get, hopefully, tomorrow as they have to seek an approval from R & A and Zone VI.â€
Asked what will happen should the two international bodies insist on the scheduled dates, Jana said: “Since the mourning period is not a public holiday, certain things may still take place.
“But it will also depend on the exact date of burial because it is not yet known. However, we hope the international bodies will understand our situation.â€
GUoM president James Chimwaza could not be reached for his comment on Sunday.
Meanwhile, FAM president Walter Nyamilandu has said the Flames camping that was scheduled to start on Sunday in preparation for the China international friendly match, has been postponed.
“I wish to advise that as the country is in state of mourning, camping of the national soccer team ahead of its planned trip to China has been postponed. The date of camping will be advised in due course after consultation with facilitators of the trip, the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports,†said Nyamilandu.
Flames coach Kinnah Phiri on Sunday said it was only proper to postpone the camping as the nation was in a period of mourning.
“We will wait for official communication from FAM,†Kinnah said.
The Flames are scheduled to depart for China on April 22 and are expected to face China on April 25.
