Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) has temporarily suspended all sporting events to mourn Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others.
“Following the tragic demise of the country’s Vice President, Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and eight officials and the subsequent declaration of the 21 days mourning period by His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, the Malawi National Council of Sports would like to advise all sports associations and affiliates to temporarily suspend all sporting activities until further notice,” reads the statement which was released yesterday and signed by council’s chief executive officer Henry Kamata.
“May God strengthen and comfort us all as we mourn this great loss,” the statement reads.
The development comes after Super League of Malawi (Sulom) announced it had rescheduled weekend games to later dates to join the nation in mourning.
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Sulom issued a press statement rescheduling the games on Tuesday night, soon after Chakwera had declared 21 days of mourning.
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Initially, Sulom released weekend fixtures which had eight games, with four each day on Saturday and Sunday.
In a statement, the body extended condolences to the nation.
“Dr. Chilima’s legacy will forever be remembered in our hearts. In view of this, all Super League games this weekend have been rescheduled to later dates,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, teams have welcomed the decision, saying it is important to mourn with the rest of the nation.
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Silver Strikers Chief Executive Officer Patrick Chimimba, whose team was supposed to face Mighty Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday.
“It could not have made sense to play games,” Chimimba said.
Similarly, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Chief Administration Officer Albert Chigoga commended Sulom for leading teams in mourning the departed.
“It is our culture as Malawians to show solidarity and empathy when someone dies. The whole country is gripped with grief,” Chigoga, whose side was expected to play Creck Sporting Club, said.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Chief Executive Officer Panganeni Ndovi echoed the sentiments.
“We understand the position we are in as a country; it is a very difficult period and we stand by the decision that will be made by the football governing bodies towards ensuring that we mourn with the State President and the family of the Vice President,” Ndovi, whose team was due to play against Civil Service United, said.
