Mponela ownership wrangle refuses to die

The Mponela FC ownership wrangle is turning into a chaotic theatre after Mlatho Technologies, a party claiming a stake in the relegated club, refused to meet the Central Region Football Association (CRFA).

The CRFA summoned Mlatho director Steve Chapola to a meeting last week, but he said he was busy and would not attend.

He requested that the meeting be held on Monday this week, but it was again cancelled after Chapola refused to attend, alleging that CRFA was biased towards Gracias Chikoma.

Chikoma, who also claims to own the club, is planning to sell the outfit which will be playing in the CRFA. He argues that Mlatho Technologies were just sponsors, not owners.

This displeased Chapola who claims the club is not owned by anyone and that it is a limited company.

Confirming the failed Monday meeting CRFA chairperson Austin Ajawa said: “Mr Chapola accused us of taking sides. It is a wrong view but we couldn’t force him.”

He said, in the meantime, CRFA plans to ask Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to bring the concerned parties together and make a resolution.

“If we are to make progress, FAM must play judge and bring us all together. Each party must bring evidence to support their point of view,” said Ajawa.

Ironically, Mlatho Technologies had requested FAM to intervene, but the football governing body referred the matter to CRFA.

Chapola did not pick up his phone on several attempts, but in an earlier interview he confessed not being comfortable to have CRFA hear the matter.

“We wanted FAM to hear and rule on the case. It was surprising that it was referred to the CRFA which we don’t trust,” he said.

FAM club licensing and compliance Manager Casper Jangale said he would talk to CRFA before deciding the next step