Sulom defends disparity in games

Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has defended disparity in fixtures, saying it is down to logistics and technicalities.

The flagship league governing body’s general secretary Williams Banda was responding to concerns from some quarters on disparity in games where some teams have played four games more or less than others.

Banda said crucial is the issue of finances on the part of some clubs.

“There are situations whereby the national team is involved in competitive fixtures and this leads to exemption of games for some teams depending on the number of players they have contributed.

“But then there are other teams which operate on shoestring budgets and it is costly for them to be on bye and they prefer being allocated matches,” he said.

Banda also said some teams’ involvement in cup games also affect the league fixtures.

“This means teams that are involved in cup games are exempted from league matches. So, it is quite a tricky situation,” he said.

However, Be Forward Wanderers team manager Stevie Madeira said the arrangement is prone to match-fixing.

“It is a pity that the situation is like this at such a crucial stage of the league as it might lead to some teams being tempted to fix games.

“I hope Sulom will fix it as soon as possible,” he said.

Three teams—Nyasa Big Bullets, Wanderers and Silver Strikers are in contention for the title.

The Nomads, who are third on the table with 45 points, have played 22 games, four less than second-placed Silver who have 51 points while leaders Bullets have 55 points from 23 matches.