Netball ignores cup-tie rule
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) competitions operate against cup-tie rule by allowing coaches and administrators to switch clubs as players during competitions.
Alliance Capital Stars coach Mary Waya, Tigresses mentor Peace Chawinga-Kalua and Thunder Queens trainer Annie Kapatuka-Sanga switched between playing for Blantyre Stars and coaching their teams in the Southern Region Airtel Money Championship regional finals at Blantyre Youth Centre.
Waya, found herself in conflict of interest when Blantyre Stars faced Alliance Capital Stars in the final.
NAM constitution is silent on whether club officials such as coaches and administrators can switch to other clubs as players.
However, netball analyst private practice lawyer Wesley Namasala said this is awkward because the same constitution restricts players from doing the same.
“Moreover, this raises a moral question: Is it proper for coach to play for club A throughout whilst coaching team B and then coach club B against club A in the finals? That gives club B unfair advantage over club A. Such individuals will definitely be passing over the secrets of club A to club B.”
NAM president Rose Chinunda admitted the need to follow cup-tie rule.
“We know there are certain issues that require to be reviewed in our constitution for the betterment of netball in the country. We will rectify the problems once we hold a constitutional review meeting,” Chinunda said. n
