Refs delay Nomads game for an hour

Super League of Malawi’s efforts to have all games involving Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers kick off at the same time flopped on Wednesday after referees threatened to boycott the Nomads’ match on security grounds.

The Nomads’ match against Mighty Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium and Bullets’ game against Civil Sporting Club at Civo Stadium were supposed to kick off at 2:30pm.

However, the Nomads match was delayed for an hour and only kicked off at 3:25pm after Sulom assured the referees of their safety.

The officiating panel led by centre referee Evidence Kananji demanded the removal of Wanderers security officer Mavuto ‘Trouble’ Kumsowa and goalkeeper trainer Valence Kamzere from the technical area.

The two officials were allegedly involved in the incident win which a Karonga United official was stripped off on suspicion that he had juju during the Nomads’ match against the Karonga-based outfit last Sunday at the same venue.

By the time the match started at Kamuzu Stadium, the Bullets game was already way into the first-half at Civo Stadium.

As the Nomads match was at half-time, Bullets match had already finished.

Both games ended 1-0 with ChiukepoMsowoya on target for Bullets while Vincent Nyangulu score for the Nomads.

Sulom general secretary Williams Banda apologised for the delay, adding that they have suspended Kamzereand  Kumsowa.

Nomads coach Bob Mpinganjira admitted that the delay affected the team.

 “We are very happy that we have won, considering so many factors. It was more of a mind game,” he said.

Bullets assistant coach Heston Munthali said they were relieved to win.