Following match-fixing fears, Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has admitted that it is facing hitches to fix games involving title contenders-Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers, on the same day.
“This is due to the fact that the clubs do not have their own grounds. As much as we would love to schedule all the games on the same day and time, it is difficult to implement it. If the clubs had their own grounds, it could have been easy,” Sulom General Secretary, Williams Banda, said
He also said another hitch was on away fixture as sometimes travelling teams play two successive games.
“In most cases when a team travels for away games, the side plays two successive games to avoid bloating their expenditure. This at times can’t apply for a home team. This week it is possible for Bullets and Wanderers to play on the same day. Wanderers are at home at Kamuzu Stadium whereas Bullets are away to Mulanje Park Stadium,” he said.
Nevertheless, Banda said Sulom was alert as rules and regulations to curb match-fixing were in place.
In reaction, Bullets Chief Administration Officer, Albert Chigoga, said the People’s Team would welcome any new arrangement aimed at curbing match-fixing.
“There are no steps we can suggest at this stage save that fair-play should be exercised in the run-ins. Referees should exercise caution to avoid provocations,” he said.
Wanderers Team Manager, Victor Maunde, said it was possible for the teams to play on the same day and time.
“Sulom is mandated to run the league as such they have powers to fix games cautiously to avoid match-fixing attempts,” he said.
As the title run-in gets hot, Bullets face Mighty Tigers in Mulanje on Saturday whereas Wanderers host Savenda Chitipa United at Kamuzu Stadium on the same day.
Bullets top the table with 49 points from 23 games whereas Wanderers are second with 48 points from number of games.
Eagles lie third with 47 points from 25 games.
Bullets will remain with away assignments against Silver Strikers and Civil Sporting Club.
But they will host Blue Eagles, Kamuzu Barracks, TN Stars and Moyale Barracks whereas Wanderers date TN Stars, Masters Security, Dwangwa and Mlatho Mponela away.
Nomads also host, Karonga United.
