Mighty Wanderers spit fire
Mighty Wanderers have threatened to lodge a complaint with Football Association of Malawi (Fam) and Super League of Malawi (Sulom) against the conduct of officiating personnel in a Blantyre derby against their rivals Nyasa Big Bullets.
The TNM Super League game ended one-all in the 80th minute at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.
In a statement released yesterday, while condemning the behaviour of some supporters believed to be Wanderers fans, the team said the conduct of the referees was unprofessional.
“We shall be officially lodging our complaint within the prescribed period as stipulated under the relevant statutes governing football in this country. We shall also lodge our complaint with the National Referees Association against the two,” reads part of the letter
“We shall complain to Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) if Fam and Sulom do not act against the two.”
The Nomads claimed that the Gift Chiko-led officiating panel made dubious decisions which allegedly changed the fate of the match.
Nomads defender Ted Sumani was shown a red card for accumulating two yellow cards and the People’s Team got an equaliser moments after the sending off.
Sulom General Secretary Williams Banda said they were waiting for the reports from the stakeholders to act.
“Sulom condemns the acts of misconduct that marred the game,” Banda said.
Meanwhile, National Referees Association (NRA) General Secretary Chris Kalichero said the Nomads were free to complain.
“Once we get the complaint, we will assess it and make a decision,” Kalichero said.
Both teams had a goal each disallowed but the Nomads were unhappy with Tokyo Olympic-bound Fifa assistant referee Bernadette Kwimbira.
During the match, a man believed to be a Bullets fan was also spotted pouring urine at one of the goal posts.
Meanwhile, the Blantyre derby grossed K3,178,000 as the two clubs pocketed K679,770 each.
A total of K522,900 went to ground owners, security got K420,000 whereas stewards pocketed K262,000.
Cashiers received K158,400 with stadium cordoning getting K128,000. Sulom pocketed K209,160.
Full back Stanley Sanudi scored for Nomads in the first half before Nigerian defender Yinusa Sheriff scored an own goal in the second half.
Meanwhile, leaders Silver Strikers dropped valuable points after a goal-less draw against Mighty Tigers at Silver Stadium yesterday.
Elsewhere, Ntopwa FC returned to their Blantyre base empty handed after a 3-1 loss to Ekwendeni Hammers at Mzuzu Ground.
Moyale Barracks impressive form continued after a 2-0 away victory over Red Lions at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre.
