Exposed: KB kept vigil at Civo ahead of knock-out tie

One week after Kamuzu Barracks FC were eliminated from the K25 million Standard Bank Knock-Out Cup by rookies Dedza Young Soccer, it has been revealed that the military side sent men to keep a night watch at Civo Stadium on the eve of the preliminary match.

However, the club’s management says it is not aware that any members from the team spent a night at the stadium.

Spilling the beans, two guards from Civo Stadium (names withheld) told Nyasa Times that some strange visitors, identifying themselves as members from Kamuzu Barracks FC came in private vehicles and spent the night inside the stadium.

“They were getting in and out of the stadium and had a conversation with our boss Mr (Rashid) Ntelera, who had queried us why there were more vehicles outside than the people that were drinking beer in the bar. We told Mr Ntelera about the presence of the people and during his conversation with them, they said they were from the barracks,” said one of the guards.

Ntelera, who is secretary for Civil Service Sporting Club and general secretary for Civo United FC confirmed meeting the group.

“I worked till late on that day and after knocking off from work, I went straight to the stadium and found more cars parked at the stadium than the number of people that were in the bar. Upon being told by the guards about the presence of some strangers, I met the people just outside the VIP gate and asked them what they were doing at the stadium at that late hour.

“They told me they were from Kamuzu Baracks and were guarding the stadium against any mischief from Dedza Young Soccer. They singled out Dedza coach (Millias) Jegwe Pofera as a very dangerous man. At first I wanted to chase them away but I just decided to let them do their wish,” said Ntelera.

Kamuzu Barracks vice general secretary Corporal Michael Maere popularly known as Che Maere denied any knowledge about the presence of people from his camp at the stadium.

“On the said day, I went to Civo Stadium for a pre-match meeting and after attending the meeting I went to meet the team at Malawi Defence Force Air Wing, where we were camping. On my way back from the Air Wing I passed through Civo Club in the evening but did not see any member from our camp,” said Che Maere.  

Pofera laughed off the claims from KB, saying he does not believe in juju: “So they slept at the stadium and lost the game. I can now realise why they ran away from Dedza and after this loss I see them running away from Civo to look for another venue in Blantyre.

“I have a Caf C-Licence and B-Licence coaching certificates and that’s the secret behind the successes that I have achieved. If we use juju, how come we lost 2-0 at home against Red Lions on Sunday? Queried Pofera.  

Kamuzu Barracks and Dedza Young Soccer used to share Dedza Stadium as their home base but the soldiers recently dissolved the marriage, opting to use Civo Stadium as their new home base.

Dedza defeated Kamuzu Barracks 12-11 after post-match penalties to advance to the quarterfinals of the Standard Bank Knock-Out Cup, where they will face Civo United.

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