Willy Yabwanya bows out
Karonga United’s return to the TNM Super League has been dealt a blow following the resignation of its Canada-based sponsor and trustee, Willy Yabwanya Phiri.
In a letter addressed to fellow trustees, committee members and supporters of Karonga United, Yabwanya— who is at the centre of an injunction’s case that might earn him sanctions from Football Association of Malawi (Fam)—stated that he resigned due to personal reasons.
“Karonga United is a community team for the people of Karonga and I would like to thank you all for the faith you showed in me and my leadership skills. It’s been an honour to serve you and I am grateful for all the accomplishments we have achieved together,” read part of the letter.
“We brought joy to our community and for now, I leave the leadership role to my fellow trustees, Bishop Simama, Chief Kyungu, Mr Kossam Munthali and Mr Speaker Richard Msowoya. I wish them all the best as they take the team forward.”
Karonga United General Secretary, Desire Bellings, said they were shocked with Yabwanya’s resignation.
“He was the main sponsor of the team. I can say that 80 percent of our funds were coming from him. Of course, we will go ahead to play in the Super League while hoping for well-wishers to come to our rescue,” he said.
Yabwanya, alongside Wilkins Mijiga and Super League of Malawi (Sulom) Treasurer, Tiya Somba-Banda, are awaiting a ruling from Fam Disciplinary Committee after they were accused of taking football matters to court.
Contrary to Fifa regulations, the trio obtained an injunction on December 11 last year against Fam’s elective annual general assembly at Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi. Those found at fault risk a ban from football. Somba-Banda denies being part of the injunction.
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