North clubs tussle over Top 8 bonanza venue
Disagreements over the venue of Simama Premier League top eight bonanza have emerged.
Some teams want the tournament sponsored by Chipanga Banda to the tune of K2 million, to be played in Karonga while others want it in Mzuzu.
The conversation Nation on Sunday monitored on social media on Thursday reveal that teams, particularly from Karonga are not willing to travel to Mzuzu for the bonanza.
On the other hand, teams from Mzimba are demanding that the bonanza be held at Mzuzu Stadium.
Speaking in a telephone interview later, Karonga United team manager Abraham Mwankhwawa said the bonanza should be held in Karonga so that people in the district should also appreciate the football talent available in the region.
“What we are saying is that we should spread the fun to the districts. Why should we always take everything to the city? People in the districts also need to appreciate the football talent the region is keeping. In addition, Karonga Community ground is located centrally and will be convenient for the teams to visit,” he said.
But Ekwendeni Hammers team manager Mabuchi Mkandawire said Mzuzu Stadium was an ideal venue for the competition.
“We need to be rational on this issue. We cannot leave Mzuzu Stadium and opt for a small ground such as Karonga Community ground. It is clear that Mzuzu has enough security and the games can be highly be patronised,” said Mkandawire.
David Katete, who speaks on behalf of teams, said appropriate measures should be taken before the Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) chooses the venue for the bonanza.
He said a venue that can attract more spectators should be given a choice.
“This is a simple issue. We should settle for a venue that is accessible so that we should further sale our talent to Super League teams,” said Katete.
NRFA fixtures secretary Ollens Msonda said they were monitoring the debate but said the sponsor would decide on the venue.
“Of course we are monitoring the different positions by our teams on the venue. However, teams should note that the final choice for the venue is in the hands of the sponsor,” he said. n
