The recent sexual allegations currently rocking the football fraternity have prompted Malawi Olympic Committee (Moc) to urge its affiliates to employ safeguarding officers to guard against the vice.
This is the first time for Moc to come out in the open and make its stance known since the allegations came to light two weeks ago.
Moc President Jappie Mhango, speaking during the body’s annual general meeting (AGM), said the sports fraternity had been distressed with the sexual allegations.
“Of late, there has been disturbing news where safeguarding issues have emerged. We have run several workshops to raise awareness against this vice but it appears the message has not been taken heed of,” Mhango said.
Mhango urged Moc’s affiliates to guard against the vice by adhering to the safeguarding policies.
“In this regard, all federations are required to have a safeguarding officer within their structure. We need to protect the girl child and women. And at the same time we need to realise that no one is safe as this can happen to young or older male athletes as well as women and men officials. That is why we have encouraged our affiliates to hire safeguarding officers in accordance with International Olympic Committee guidelines,” he said.
Malawi Handball Association (Maha) official Sophie Kathewera said it was important for Moc to show its stance in the fight against the vice.
“This way it shows that they are equally concerned and want the truth to prevail,” she said.
Recently, Football Association of Malawi (Fam) suspended its executive committee member Daud Mtanthiko in relation to allegations of sexual abuse levelled against him.
Mtanthiko was accused of sexual harassment towards a member of the Malawi Women’s National Football delegation during the team’s recent trip to South Africa.
