By Llywellenie Mpasa:
Kamuzu Barracks FC (KB FC) has banned 12 of its officials and supporters who attacked a match steward, following violent conduct that marred the team’s FDH Bank Premiership match against Luanar Mitundu FC at Dedza Stadium.
The incident occurred on Saturday, May 2, shortly after KB suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat.
A group of supporters and officials turned their frustration into violence, physically assaulting a match steward in scenes that have since sparked outrage.
The club’s general secretary, Blessings Sibanda, said the MDF members and civilians identified have been banned from participating in any football-related activities associated with KB FC for a period of one year.
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He said individuals linked to the Malawi Defence Force will face additional internal disciplinary action for violating military standards, where they will also be sanctioned and receive penalties in line with MDF regulations governing soldiers involved in violent acts.
“The sanctions are a decisive move aimed at restoring order and protecting the integrity of the game,” he said.
A video of the attack, widely shared on social media, has drawn condemnation from football stakeholders and raised serious concerns about fan behaviour and safety at local matches.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, Sibanda described the conduct as “unacceptable” and inconsistent with the club’s core values.
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“As a military institution founded on discipline, respect and integrity, we do not tolerate any form of violence or misconduct that brings the game into disrepute,” he said.
Sibanda said the safety and wellbeing of all stakeholders, including players, officials, supporters and security personnel, remains the club’s top priority.
“We apologise to the assaulted steward, Luanar Mitundu FC, match officials and the people of Dedza,” he said.
He further said the statement released is an acceptance of the wrong which happened and KB is working to end all violence that disturbs the beautiful game.
The incident has once again highlighted the damaging effects of violence in football.
Football analyst James Majawa said violence damages the reputation of clubs and leagues, adding that sponsors and potential investors are less likely to associate with competitions linked to disorder, leading to financial setbacks that can slow the development of the sport.
“We expect governing bodies to impose sanctions such as fines, points deductions or stadium bans,” he said.
He said beyond the immediate physical harm caused, such behavior creates an unsafe environment for players, officials and supporters.
“The Dedza incident serves as a stark reminder that while football has the power to unite communities, acts of violence threaten to undermine its very foundation,” he said.
