BB fans threaten ‘tit-for-tat’ action if Nyasa pull out sponsorship: Champions issue gagging order

Some sections of Nyasa Big Bullets have warned Nyasa Manufacturing Company (NMC)  that they will  launch a boycott  campaign for the company’s cigarettes if they dare withdraw  the K500 million  five-year sponsorship .

The cigarette manufacturing company warned it will pull the plug of sponsorship,  due to the infighting which has taken centre stage in the executive  committee of the club.

Bullets inked a controversial deal with country’s sole cigarette manufacturer Nyasa which rolled out in January but  Chairman  of Nyasa, Konrad Buckle has warned the company may stop bankrolling the club.

Some sections of  Bullets camp have since issued threats to the sponsors that they will boycott Nyasa cigarettes in retaliation for sponsorship withdraw.

But the  chair of supporters committee, Stone Mwamadi, said he expects the club to resolve  matters.

“We believe these issues will be resolved amicably,” said Mwamadi.

Sam Chilunga, who chairs the 1967-founded team, said the deal with Nyasa is a “strategic business partnership” and the cigarette company “uses the team’s supporters’ base to enhance their brand.

Nyasa has claimed its cigarette sales have declined in the past weeks “due to the ongoing negative publicity.”

Meanwhile, Bullets has  issued a stern warning to other officials except those in the most top rank not to make media statements or speak to reporters on any issue pertaining to the rows and developing issues at the club.

“Until further notice only the Chairman or his Vice shall speak to the media on matters pertaining to the policy and administration of the Club. Any breach of this directive shall result in disciplinary action and possible dismissal from Executives/ Supporters committee,” the club statement said on Friday.

The statement admits that the club has been heavily troubled by the wrangles.

Bullets, twice champions of the country’s Super League and who command the biggest fan base spread throughout the tiny and soccer-mad southern African nation, has been without sponsorship for nine years since former president Bakili Muluzi sponsored them for two years.

Buckle observed that Bullets’ infighting was the reason the club stayed for 10 years without a sponsor.

He said: “We were also aware that for last 10 or eleven years nobody wanted to sponsor Bullets for exactly the same reasons, infighting and lack of leadership. The corporate world does not trust the leadership of the team. Regrettably, it seems nothing has changed regarding the management and welfare of ‘The People’s Team’ and the blatant misuse of club earnings and funds.

“Let me remind you that Nyasa Manufacturing Company is a brand and we would not want our brand to be affected or associated by such infighting, lack of discipline and lack of expertise to manage a business.”

Nyasa have since summoned an emergency meeting set for Monday at the company’s offices.