Odillo reacts to Epac accusations

Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Commander General Odillo has said his institution cannot refuse players from other teams opportunity to serve in the Army.

Epac FC owner Dean Josiah-Banda had complained that Kamuzu Barracks had poached Noel Mlelemba, Wonderful Tumeyo, Alex Nkhwazi and Vincent Mphepo from them.

Odillo said it is not that MDF entice players from other teams to join their clubs, but that sometimes players want employment and they approach Army teams.

“Alhough I am yet to receive the complaint from Mr. Josiah Banda, I have read in the press about some grievances. What I can say is that the MDF will not refuse players from other teams opportunity to join the Army if they so wish,” said Odillo in an exclusive interview with The Nation at the weekend.

He said MDF wants to promote sports in the country and that is why they employed top boxers such as Chrispin Moliati, Chimwemwe Chiotcha, Wilson Msamba and Osgood Kayuni.

The Army Commander, however, said if the Army teams flouted transfer procedures as reported in Epac’s grievances, MDF will address the concerns.

“I will have a meeting with all army teams to see if we really flouted transfer procedures as laid down by football governing institutions in the country, then we will have to rectify the mistakes if any,” he said.

In separate interviews, Alex Mkhwazi of Epac said he joined Kamuzu Barracks because of mistreatment at Epac while Vincent Mphepo said he joined Kamuzu Barracks in search of employment.

Mphepo’s uncle, Innocent Kaundula, said he approached Kamuzu Barracks officials to allow his nephew to join the team after learning that MDF were recruiting soldiers.