Bingu Tigresses suspended for boycotting Malawi Rainbow Paints netball final
Southern Region Netball Committee has handled Bingu Tigresses with indefinite suspension “from taking part in any of the competition and games organised by Southern Region Netball League” following their refusal to play in the finals of Rainbow Paints Top Six Netball Series.
Tigresses, who reached the finals of the tournament were supposed to play Escom Sisters but they refused to honour the fixture at the eleventh hour citing Malawi National Council of Sports refusal to release their two Under-20 players Lauren Ngwira and Cathy Yikwenga who were in camp in readiness of the Zone Six Games.
The team’s refusal led to the organising committee to ask for MTL Queens, who were on third slot to play against Escom Sisters.
The development irked many spectators who converged at Blantyre Youth Centre to witness the finals because they expected Tigresses to play under protest since it was a final day with everything already set.
In a letter dated December 4th, 2O12 signed by disciplinary Chairperson Isaac Chimwala and copied to Manageress of Bingu Tigresses, SRNC states a well established team, Bingu Tigresses needed to respect the principles of sportsmanship practiced the world over in sports.
“Ordinarily, as an immediate relief to a misunderstanding between the two parties, teams are advised to play under protest after registering their concern before the officiating panel, unfortunately, Bingu Tigresses chose the extreme option of withdrawing from play altogether,” reads the letter.
According to Chimwala this means that Tigresses will not take part in the ongoing OG Issa League.
Bingu Tigresses coach Charles Mhango told Nyasa Times after refusing to play the finals that they were following the rules which stipulates that if a team has contributed two players to the national team it should be allowed not to play.
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