Sports and Games

Mafco in hot soup

Mafco in hot soup

Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has charged Mafco with four counts for the alleged misconduct that happened during their TNM Super League match against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Sunday.

According to the charge sheet, Mafco players Vitumbiko Phiri, Blessings Chandiyang’ana and Duncan Mwale have been charged with assaulting Bullets’ midfielder Wongani Lungu whereas goalkeeper Christopher Mikuwa is accused of assaulting another midfielder Chawanangwa Gumbo, in line with Article 26.2.30.3 as read with Article 26.2.38 of Sulom rules and regulations.

“Vitumbiko Phiri, Blessings Chandiyang’ana, Duncan Mwale and Christopher Mikuwa, on the same date as stated in the first count during extra minutes of the game, violently stepped on an already injured player Wongani Lungu who was lying on the ground in agony,” the charge sheet reads.

All the four players have been charged for acts of violence or attempted acts of violence on a fellow player.

In addition, the club has been charged with bringing the game of football into disrepute.

“Mafco FC, an affiliate of Sulom, on October 6, 2024 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, through the actions of its players, brought disorder, damaging the image of the sponsors TNM plc and the game,” the charge sheet indicates.

The Salima-based soldiers, who lost the match 1-0, have been given 48 hours to respond to the charges.

Mafco Chairperson Kondwani Banda confirmed receipt of the charge sheet.

“We are working on the response. Once it is ready, we will send it to Sulom,” he said.

The club condemned actions of its players just a day after the incident, adding that the players would face disciplinary action.

Bullets also lodged a complaint to Sulom on the matter.

This is not the first time for Mafco players to be linked with on-field violence as they also assaulted Blue Eagles midfielder Micium Mhone during a TNM Super League match few years ago.