Malawi umpires snubs GOtv netball league over allowances

Some renowned top umpires last weekend boycotted games of the on-going GOtv Netball Champions League over allowances.

The development forced the national umpires committee to engage umpires that are affiliated to some netball teams.

The umpires, who boycotted the first games of the competition, want night allowances to be increased from K3,500 to K10,000, game allowances to increase to K2,500 from K2000 each, and that time keeper should be receiving K1000 each not K500.

This was apparently revealed when Diamond Sisters players and their officials roughed up time keeper Dalitso Chinyama after losing to Complex Tigresses at Blantyre Youth Centre on Sunday.

Diamond players accused Chinyama of delaying time to allow Tigresses score winning basket.

“They had agreed to officiate the first round. However, on Saturday they switched off their phones and we had no choice but engage umpires affiliated to some teams,” said the umpires chairperson Whyte Mulilima.

Mulilima said the issued has been referred to the Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) to consider raising the allowances.

Umpires that are boycotting are Steve Nyadila, Ken Mphande, Ellonour Mapulanga, Titus Wakhawa, Faggie Mwalweni and Rebecca Kawanga-Dulanya, among others.

Umpires affiliated to teams are not allowed officiate games involving their games, according to Mulilima.

“This happens even at international level. Malawi Queens have always travelled with an umpire during the continental tournaments.

“During such events an umpire from Malawi is not allowed to handle games involving Malawi Queens,” said Mulilima.

The GOtv Netball Champions League adopted Fast5 format this season.

Tigresses have maintained their perfect start in the competition and are now leading with 20 points having won all their games.

Diamonds lie second with 15 points while Blue Eagles are third with 13 points. Civo are fourth with six points, MTL Queens fifth with five points while Mafco are anchoring the table with a point.

All teams have played 10 games each and are expected to meet in the third round to determine the play-offs standings.

After the final round, the first and second placed sides will fight for the championship.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :

Sharing is caring!