Silver players demand to man gates

In a bid to curb gate fraud by some executive members and fans, Silver Strikers players have demanded to take charge of the gates during their Super League games this weekend, The Nation has established.

The decision was arrived at during Tuesday’s training session when the players reportedly confronted the executive to express dissatisfaction with the way the team’s finances are being handled.

The Bankers will host Karonga United and Red Lions in TNM Super League games on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Some players, who confided in The Nation on condition of anonymity, said they have lost trust in general secretary Mike Tembo and treasurer Fred Kalonga.

“They gave us an excuse that fans who man the gates force them to get money about [K8 000] after each game. This is a lame excuse because they did not report that before,” said one of the players.

He said the players have demanded the immediate resignation of Tembo and treasurer Fred Kalonga, since they are the ones that deal with gate collections.

Silver chairperson McDonald Mafuta-Mwale and Tembo confirmed meeting the players.

Before referring the reporter to the chairperson for more information, Tembo said: “We do not have such a problem at Silver. You can come and access our reconciliations, which are audited by Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM).”

In an e-mail response, Mafuta Mwale said the players have been advised to express their concerns in writing to the chairperson of the Board of Trustees.

“Their major complaint is that while they have not been paid some game bonuses, they always see supporters sharing gate takings at the end of each game,” said Mafuta-Mwale.

Apart from not receiving their dues for winning the Be Forward Bonanza, the players have gone six games without getting their bonuses.