Sulom takes Fama to task

The Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has taken the Fellowship Association of Malawi (Fama) to task, demanding a report on the Top Eight Cup which is running without the league’s consent.

 

Sulom demanded the report on Saturday after some Red Lions players beat up referee Francisco Scova for ruling offside the soldiers’ two goals in their game against eventual 2-1 winners, Big Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium.

Sulom general secretary, Williams Banda, on Saturday insisted that FAMA, taking advantage of the off-season break, directly involved in the competition clubs which are affiliated to Sulom. The league is in turn affiliated to FAM.

Banda said Fama organising committee secretary Japhet Majekete “acknowledged having overlooked the issue of writing Sulom and agreed to formalise tomorrow [Sunday] morning.”

“The competition’s rules and regulations should also be sent to Sulom as soon as possible. We condemn the act itself and urge Fama to write a report. You know people tend to take it for granted but we could not stop them considering that the clubs agreed with the organisers and it is off season. May be FAM is aware,” Banda said.

‘We’ve FAM’s blessing’

Majekete said they are hosting the cup with the blessings of FAM through their Central chapter, [the Central Region Football Committee].

“This competition started last year in the Central Region but now our visibility has grown with the involvement of more Southern Region teams,” said Majekete. He accused the media of forgetting all the good things about the tournament and concentrating on one bad incident.

“We are a religious organisation; hence, new in football business and we are learning. FAM vice-president Pikawo Ngalamila graced the launch, showing that FAM is aware. We also expected the Central Region chapter to inform Sulom and FAM.”

Meanwhile, Scova suffered a bruised arm and leg after being attacked on the pitch immediately he blew the final whistle to end the match. He was rescued by police. Scova was at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital for treatment after getting a police report.

“I am in great pain, struggling to walk. Mr. Charles Kafatiya [match assessor] is handling the matter. I expect some action. I have always had problems with Red Lions from the time they played Bullets in Balaka last season. They always have issues with decisions on the pitch,” Scova said yesterday.

Lions publicity secretary Major Hilly Majowa also vowed on Saturday to lodge a complaint to Fama over Scova’s incompetence after he denied the Zomba soldiers two first-half goals.