Mlozi, Banda suspended, Sulom rejects Moyale appeal

Sulom has suspended Big Bullets striker Diverson Mlozi and Kabwafu FC defender Kondwani Gio Banda for two games each, for fighting during their league match in Mzuzu on Sunday.

The verdict was made at a disciplinary hearing held on Tuesday, which was chaired by Super League of Malawi (Sulom) treasurer Tiya Somba-Banda.

The panel heard that there was an off-the-ball incident that happened in the 74th minute of the game where Mlozi, wearing jersey number 14, kicked Banda of Kabwafu FC, wearing jersey number 23 and Banda retaliated by kicking Mlozi as well.

The referee then cautioned Banda with a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.

According to Somba-Banda, the verdict is in recognition of Section 3, Article 77 (b) of Fifa Disciplinary Code 2012 which, among other issues, cautions against assaulting an opponent.

Further, the disciplinary committee found that referee Mabvuto Msimuko was inconsistent with the Fifa Disciplinary Code as he did not caution Mlozi for his unsporting behaviour.

In an interview on Wednesday, Somba-Banda said referees are supposed to be in control of the game by applying the laws of the game accordingly.

Meanwhile, Sulom has rejected Moyale Barracks’ appeal to reduce the ban on its four players [Anthony Manda, Timothy Nyirenda, Victor Phiri and Lovemore Mitengo].

Moyale appealed on grounds that the four players might have been victims of circumstances, but also the punishment was too harsh in relation to the offence.

But a Sulom disciplinary hearing that took place on Thursday in Mzuzu which was chaired by its legal chairperson Lieutenant Colonel Dan Kuwali, upheld the earlier ruling and the ban stands.

Instead, the only leniency exercised is that the fines imposed on Phiri and Mitengo have been reduced to K50 000 (about $200) from K70 000 (about $280). But Nyirenda, who allegedly triggered the whole fracas has had his fine increased from K70 000 to K90 000 (about $360).

“It was fortunate that our legal adviser was in Mzuzu at the time of the appeal. He convened a hearing which upheld our earlier ruling,” said Somba-Banda who witnessed the Saturday fracas.

Moyale Barracks general secretary Major James Chilambe described the upholding of the ruling as very unfortunate. He, however, said it will not affect the teams performance in the Standard Bank fixture against Civo United on Saturday.

The ban took effect from the day of ruling, which means the players will miss Standard Bank and Carlsberg Cup games and the rest of the league season.