Sulom wanted to forego playoffs
As Super League of Malawi (Sulom) proceeds with play-offs to determine a 16th team to join the TNM Super League, a document addressed to Football Association of Malawi (Fam) indicates that there was a proposal to maintain Dedza Young Soccer in the elite league without the play-offs.
In a letter dated February 25, 2016, Sulom had requested Fam to consider adding a 16th team into the top-flight league based on points accumulated last season.
The letter, titled ‘Promotion of an additional team’, made mention of the team that ended the league on position 13 as the one that should be given the go-ahead to rejoin.
“We write to inform [you] that following an executive meeting held on 19th February, 2016, Sulom executive agreed to have sixteen teams in 2016,” reads part of the letter signed by Sulom general secretary, Williams Banda.
“However, the meeting resolved to conduct play-offs which will impact the team to get prepared for the 2017 season, which is commencing on 9 April, 2016, and also considering the requirements of club licensing.”
The letter, which Banda addressed to Fam general secretary, Suzgo Nyirenda, ends with: “We submit for your approval.”
When contacted, Nyirenda said the association would not comment on the play-offs because the mandate of running the TNM Super League lies in Sulom’s hands.
“Our legal team has advised us not to say anything on the play-offs, and we are going by that. The Super League is a Sulom’s show. That is all I can say,” Nyirenda insisted.
Quizzed on what becomes of the 2009 Lilongwe Declaration that recommended a reducing Super League teams to 12, Nyirenda said it was only a proposal.
“What happens when you are given a proposal is that you choose whether to adopt it or not. Neighbouring countries have also not yet implemented it, so it is just a matter of choice,” he explained.
However, it was reported in the media on Thursday that, in response to Sulom’s letter, Fam gave Sulom the go ahead to conduct the play-offs.
It is yet to be seen whether the play-offs’ winner will be allowed to join the league after the March 12 club licencing deadline.
Wizards FC, who were expected to kick-off the play-offs against Airborne Rangers at Civo Stadium yesterday, hoped to—in the event of Super League promotion—be granted a grace period of the licencing requirements.
However, Dedza Young Soccer general secretary, Harold Mmora, said they fulfilled most of the requirements, and would easily complete the process.
Mmora maintained that Sulom extra-ordinary general meeting held last year resolved to relegate two teams only, while sparing a 13th placed team in the league.
“We are not happy with the answer we got from Sulom. For this reason, we have written Fam. We will not rest until the course of justice is upheld on the matter,” said Mmora, whose team got relegated after finishing on position 13 with 29 points.
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