Sulom undecided on relegation formula
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has admitted that it is caught between a rock and hard place on how to come up with a new relegation and promotion formula in view of the bloating of the league to 16 teams.
Sulom general secretary, Williams Banda, yesterday said the fact that the body’s extra-ordinary general meeting (EGM) in Lilongwe last week resolved to increase the number of teams from 15, does not automatically mean that next season’s relegation system has already changed.
“The first formula is to have play-offs involving relegation and promotion candidates, but this has cost implications as you need to pay referees, among others. This system also gives relegation candidates some edge of experience over their counterparts,” Banda explained.
“The second option is to relegate three teams and promote three regional champions. However, for us to come up with the decision we need to consult the teams and Football Association of Malawi. It would be unfortunate to make this decision when some teams are on the verge [of relegation]. It is a bit complicated”
Currently, three bottom-placed teams get demoted to the Premier Division with each regional champion for the second-tier league promoted to the Super League.
Sulom legal adviser, Gilbert Mittawa, yesterday said the EGM agreed that the new formula be informed by the league’s rules and regulations, which in view of the new resolutions, need revisiting.
“Teams argued that they were not involved in formulating the current rules and regulations, so we will call for a meeting involving the clubs. So, on relegation and promotion, nothing has been decided. We would rather have a due process followed,” Mittawa explained.
The league’s bottom-placed Fisd Wizards’ chairperson, Mike Tembo, yesterday admitted that they are in the dark over the new relegation system.
“They told us that they want to consult, but it could have been good if they had announced earlier for teams to plan and also avoid speculations that might arise when such a crucial decision is made late in the season,” Tembo explained.
Currently, Wizards anchor the table on 18 points from 22 games followed on the 14th place by Epac and Rangers positioned 13th on 22 points from 23 games each.
Central Region Football Association general secretary, Benard Chiwiriwiri Harawa, yesterday said they were waiting for Sulom’s advice on the new promotion formula.
Dwangwa United are the region’s promotion favourites, whereas the likes of Cobbe Barracks and Max Bullets from the South, also stand a chance.
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