Reserve teams out of national cups
The country’s reserve teams will no longer be allowed to compete in national teams with immediate effect.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) made the decision during its Executive Committee meeting in Salima District last Saturday.
The association’s Communications and Competitions Director Gomezgani Zakazaka said they will start implementing the decision during the 2023 FDH Bank Cup.
“It is about preserving the integrity of the competition. We want to ensure that teams which fall under one ownership are not playing in the same competition, just like Club Licensing prohibits reserve teams from getting promoted to the Super League.
“They can play in the regional play-offs for exposure and development but will not qualify for the national draw,’’ Zakazaka said.
In other countries, reserve teams are not allowed to participate in national competitions including elite leagues.
Until last season, reserve teams were allowed to participate in all competitions without restrictions at all levels.
This resulted into FCB Nyasa Bullets facing their reserve in the FDH Bank Cup final last season. The senior team won the match 3-1.
This was the first time for Bullets to face their reserve side in a cup final after 25 years.
On their way to the final, the junior People’s Team eliminated three Super League old timers Mighty Tigers, Red Lions and Blue Eagles.
Football bodies in other countries arrange separate competitions for reserve teams.
Bullets Chief Administration Officer Albert Chigoga welcomed the decision.
“We have always been questioning the rationale of allowing such a thing to happen over the years. A team wins a regional championship and is not allowed promotion to the elite league on account that its senior team is in the same competition, yet the same team is allowed to participate in national competitions. The decision lacked consistency and it is our hope that it will restore integrity to the game,’’ Chigoga said.
