Chaos mars Wanderers supporters elections
Some aspirants for Be Forward Wanderers supporters executive committee positions withdrew from the race during yesterday’s dramatic polls at the team’s club house in Chichiri, Blantyre.
Former supporters secretary, Sylvester Luka, quest to reclaim the seat ended in vain as he withdrew following the intervention of bouncers who threatened to beat up fans that were set to vote for him.
As a result Luka withdrew, paving way for general secretary Samuel Mponda to retain the seat.
Luka lamented that he could not continue as his voters had been bullied.
“This is not on. The bouncers were not supposed to meddle with my line. The purpose of having free and fair elections has been defeated,” he said.
Some contestants like Bushiri Window, who was challenging Kennedy Kemosi, for the vice treasurer post, also withdrew.
During the polls, chairperson, Mervin Nkunika, first vice chairperson, Witness Kanyemba and second vice chairperson, were re-elected unopposed.
Charles Andrew defeated Francis Baba Tembo, for the vice secretary seat while Rahim Ratif was elected treasurer after beating Chifuniro Chimlambe.
The following were elected committee members: Dalitso Robert (70 votes), Peter Mvalo (92), Herbert Vuma (72), Sam Chiwaya (80) and Austin Spain (78).
Meanwhile, Wanderers board of trustees chairperson, Rashid Gaffar, has called on the teams supporters to explore ways of financing the club to complement sponsorship from Japanese firm Be Forward Limited.
“We need fans to offer support rather than milking the team. If the team embarks on fundraising activities, we need our fans to support such initiatives,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Nkunika disclosed that four zonal committees will adopt four players to be paying game bonuses.
“The move is aimed at reducing pressure from the executive committee. If the four zones can support some players financially in terms of game bonuses I think we will make headway,” he said.
Wanderers main executive committee is also expected to go to polls on Sunday.
