Chessam contradicts itself on players’ ban
Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) is playing games by disowning its widely-publicised one-year ban of three players Joseph Mwale, Joseph Nyambalo and Vitumbiko Gondwe.
Chessam banned the players for allegedly boycotting Africa Individual Chess Championship in Namibia over delayed allowances two years ago.
Mwale, through the trio’s lawyer, Wapona Kita, obtained a court injunction, challenging the ban.
In a sudden twist of events, Malawi National Council of Sports’ executive secretary, George Jana, in a letter addressed to Kita dated March 8 2016, said Chessam did not issue any suspension letter.
“We refer to your earlier correspondence to this Council regarding the above subject matter. We have consulted with the Chess Association of Malawi on the matter, who have advised [us] that they never issued any letter(s) of suspension to Joseph Mwale, and are, therefore wondering what proof Joseph Mwale presented to you of his suspension. May you kindly provide us with the relevant evidence/proof of Joseph
Mwale’s suspension to enable us find a way forward to resolve the matter,” read part of letter signed by Jana.
Chessam publicity secretary, Mankhosi Nyirenda, said it was a tricky issue and refused to comment.
“The issue is somehow tricky because it is in the hands of the lawyers. So, as of now we will not talk,” he said.
Mwale said he wants justice to prevail after being barred from some competitions locally.
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