FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have lodged a complaint with Super League of Malawi (Sulom) over the conduct of three Mafco players who allegedly injured Wongani Lungu in an off-the-ball incident.
The incident happened in the second half when Lungu fell inside Mafco’s 18-yard box.
Video replays show Vitumbiko Phiri (18) and Blessings Chandiyang’ana (4) stepping on Lungu’s legs while he lay on the ground trying to defend himself.
Mafco goalkeeper Christopher Mikuwa appeared to get in on the act when he shoved Bullets midfielder Chawanangwa Gumbo who went to defend his teammate.
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Referee Kasimu Shaibu Amadu, who was in charge of the match, cautioned the players.
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In the video, his line of vision appears to be hindered.
However, Bullets acting Chief Executive Officer Albert Chigoga said they have turned to Sulom on the matter as Lungu would likely be out of action for over a week.
“He has a swollen leg and some cuts. He is definitely out this week. We are making a formal complaint,” Chigoga said.
Sulom Vice General Secretary Donnex Chilonga said they were investigating the incident.
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“Much as we have seen the video clips on social media, we firstly need to gather reports so that we establish what really happened. These reports are a must for each and every match. With the incident at hand, we need to have them for proper investigation.
“From there, we shall map the way forward. Otherwise, if we are to go by what we have seen on social media, it is a deplorable, sorry sight. We need to condemn such unsporting conduct in strong terms,” Chilonga said.
Mafco captain Paul Ndhlovu was the first to issue an apology before his club later issued a statement in which it apologised to Bullets and Lungu while promising to deal with the players.
“Mafco FC wishes to condemn, in the strongest terms, the conduct of its players Blessings Chandiyang’ana, Duncan Mwale and Vitumbiko Phiri for unsportsman conduct on Wongani Lungu during a Super League match played on 6 October 2024 at Kamuzu Stadium, Blantyre.
“The behaviour displayed by these players is unacceptable and not representative of the sportsmanship and respect that Mafco FC values. Such unsportsmanship has no place in any modern game [sic] of football, let alone the elite TNM Super League. It offends the very essence of the game of football including the spirit of fair play and competitiveness that Mafco FC propagates.
“Mafco FC take[s] full responsibility of the players’ actions and will take disciplinary action within the confines of applicable rules and regulations. Mafco assures all football-loving Malawians that it is committed towards the agenda Revive, Reform and Rebrand the Super League and, as such, [we] will endeavour to compete fairly while upholding the rules of the game,” the statement reads.
On Sunday, Bullets Coach Kalisto Pasuwa lamented that his players were not being protected.
