Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) has promised to take unspecified action against associations that travel for international competition’s without the institution’s consent.
The development comes after Malawi National netball Team, the Queens unceremoniously left the country to compete at Fast5 Netball World Series at Christchurch in New Zealand where they anchored the six-team log table early this month.
In a statement issued Friday, MNCS advises associations to follow the proper procedures when going to represent Malawi at international competitions or events.
measures will be taken
“It has come to the attention of the Malawi National Council of Sports that some national sports associations are travelling outside the country and competing at international tournaments without the approval of MNCS and government or following the guidelines for national sports association on international participation,” the statement which has been signed by council’s public relations and communications officer Edgar Ntulumbwa said.
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The statement stated that it is against the guidelines for national sports associations to travel outside Malawi or compete at an international competition without the approval of MNCS or government.
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“Section 9 (a) (b) (c) of the guidelines for national sports associations clearly stipulates what sports associations need to do in order to participate at an international tournament.
“No team shall represent Malawi at international events or matches without the approval from MNCS. No National team shall participate in an international event, match without prior permission from the Malawi national council of sports,” the statement read.
Ntulumbwa said national teams shall be provided with an exit letter as proof of clearance for participation at such an event.
“Necessary measures will be taken if the associations do not comply,” he said.
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It is a trend for some associations to leave the country without prior notice.
In recent years, local athletes and boxers were stuck in Tanzania and Kenya respectively before the government came to their rescue.
However, Netball Association of Malawi General Secretary Isaac Chimwala, whose association was recently taken to task for allegedly traveling to New Zealand without prior notice, said they will comply with the directive.
“In our case we wer e engaged with the council in discussions before the trip. It was unfortunate that things happened that way. Otherwise, we hope the procedure will be clear and straightforward,” Chimwala said.
Former Flames defender Ojukwu Malunga faulted associations that opt to sneak out instead of seeking a clearance.
“In most cases they get away with it. It turns sour when something happens. In case of eventualities, it is important to seek consent,” Malunga said.
