Uncertainty over Sulom AGM

The long-awaited Super League of Malawi (Sulom) Annual General Meeting (AGM) remains unclear when it will be held.

Sulom announced over a month ago that the assembly would be held this month, but with barely two days left, the top-flight league runners are yet to officially inform TNM Super League clubs about the assembly as per the constitutional requirement which stipulates that delegates to the AGM should be given 28 days prior notice.

When asked if the AGM will take place this month as scheduled, Sulom president Tiya Somba Banda yesterday said: “The [Sulom] general secretary will give the delegates notice about AGM and will announce the dates.”

Sulom initially planned to hold the assembly in February this year after failing to do so last year due to Covid-19.

Among crucial issues set to be discussed at the assembly are rules and regulations of the league, TV rights and ways for clubs’ survival amid struggles to generate gate revenue at matches.

Delegates will also have an opportunity to deliberate on the treasurer and the general secretary’s reports among other pertinent issues.

Nyasa Big Bullets, Silver Strikers and Civil Service (Civo) United yesterday said it is worrisome that Sulom keeps on playing hide-and-seek on the AGM despite its importance in helping to iron out issues as regards their operations.

They said if the trend continues, they will sit down as Sulom affiliates to map the way forward.

Said Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga: “The AGM is long overdue and I do not know why Sulom keeps on delaying it.”

Silver chief executive officer  Thokozani Chimbali said the continued AGM delays will jeopardise the smooth running of the league as there are a lot of issues that need to be sorted out through the assembly.

“It is worrisome that the assembly continues to be postponed despite agreeing during the last AGM that Sulom will be strictly adhering to its constitutional demands going forward,” he said.

Civo general secretary Ronald Chiwaula said: “It is unfortunate that Sulom is murdering its own constitution which they vowed to respect”.

He added that Covid-19 cannot be cited as a reason for the failure to hold the AGM because even  Football Association of Malawi has successfully held similar meetings amidst the pandemic.

“Sulom represent us the clubs and I do not know why they are failing to lead by example,” he said.