The absence of man-of-the-match awards in the on-going 2022 TNM Super League season has sparked debate among the football fraternity, with others fearing that the awards are gone for good.
Some players, who won man-of-the-match and player-of-the-month awards last season, but did not want to be mentioned, wondered why Super League of Malawi (Sulom) was silent on the matter.
“We don’t know if the man-of-the-match award is still there. If the award is missing, how then are we going to have player of the season. By now, we should have been told that the awards are there but our administrators are quite on the matter. The awards motivate us; as such, they should tell us. Remaining quite doesn’t help,” said one of the players.
However, Sulom Vice General Secretary Major Flao Mwale said logistical challenges have contributed to the delay to present man-of-the match awards to outstanding players.
“We are assuring all the players and fans, including clubs, that Old Mutual is 100 percent committed to bringing smiles to man-of-the-match and player of the month winners this season.
“And, in no time, Sulom will resume giving the awards to those who showcase their skills and potential. Sulom apologises for the delay in awarding outstanding players,” he said.
Mwale insisted that Sulom’s partnership with the award sponsors, Old Mutual, was still intact.
“It was mainly due to logistical challenges in acquiring miniatures and resourcing the paper-work on its part. We, therefore, thank the fans and players for their patience and also the sponsors Old Mutual for their continued support this season,” he said.
Old Mutual Marketing Manager Patience Chatsika said they would soon make their position clear on the matter.
“We and Sulom are very much in talks and whenever all is done and dusted we will make it public as we did last year,” Chatsika said.
Old Mutual were giving a miniature and K50,000 to man-of-the-match.
Last season, Nyasa Big Bullets midfielder Chimwemwe Idana was voted player of the season.
Peter Fote is a Sports Journalist with huge experience in radio and Television reporting, production and presentation. He once worked with Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and is currently working for Times Media Group.
