Msungama vows to stop BB sale
Former Nyasa Big Bullets chairperson Kondi Msungama has vowed to stop the sale of Big Bullets to sponsors Nyasa Manufacturing Company (NMC).
The outburst comes after players and supporters committee members asked NMC to buy out the club.
Msungama described the proposal as “childish and outrageous” and claimed it was aimed at fulfilling some individuals’ personal interests.
“When they are suggesting that the club should be bought, who are they buying from? In the first place, this is a community team. That’s why it is called the People’s Team.
“I am not trying to undermine anyone. But the set up does not allow the club to be sold. Bullets is under trusteeship. The constitution does not allow the club’s take over. It is impossible,” he said.
Msungama said he would use whatever means possible to defend the constitution.
“Me, as Kondi Msungama, vow to fight with all my strength to stop this nonsense. Those that are with me can join me. Let me make it clear that I am not doing this to get the Bullets chairman position. I am only here to stop this ‘joke’. Bata sponsored Bullets for over 20 years. But at no point did we hear anyone saying ‘let them buy the club’. We had the former president Bakili Muluzi who pumped over K500 million, but he never mentioned that he wants to buy the team. He knew that this is a community team,” he said.
Msungama also took a swipe at players for getting involved in issues beyond their contracts.
“I heard players joining the supporters committee’s in this issue. Who are they speaking on behalf of? A player is contracted to the club. They are employees. Where on earth have you heard an employee going public that they want an employers’ company to be sold? Isn’t this the same player who will leave the club after his contract has expired?” wondered Msungama.
His sentiments were shared by former supporters committee secretary Mabvuto Chibambo, who said such a move would require a seal of approval from the club’s members across the country.
“It is a decision that cannot just be made by a few individuals. It requires thorough consultations at an EGM or AGM level,” said Chibambo.
Soccer commentator Moses Dossi said while those that made the request might have a point, “it is not a decision than can be adopted without following the proper procedures as it has the potential to create serious divisions.”
They were reacting to a request that was made by the supporters committee chairperson Stone Mwamadi, secretary Manze Chikoti and team captain Chiukepo Msowoya during a luncheon which the sponsor hosted for the players in Blantyre on Tuesday.
However, responding to the request, NMC managing director Dimitri Kalaitzis said while it was a previledge to get such a request, “it is a process that requires the input of all stakeholders such as supporters, trustees and the executive committee.
“But it [the proposal] is still in its infancy and it cannot be ruled out.”
Bullets board of trustees vice-secretary Victor Msowoya said the suggestion had neither been taken up nor discussed with the trustees.
“It has got legal implications in terms of structuring of the club as an entity.
“The issue of buyout is corporate in nature. A sponsor is an investor, so if it is buying out it will be on what terms and paying who?” wondered Msowoya. n
