Nomads to fight ban in court: Killed fan laid to rest
Mighty Wanderers have cried foul over Super League of Malawi (Sulom) verdict to ban them for five months and the heavily imposed fines for the Balaka fracas.
There were ugly scenes that culminated into full-scale skirmishes leading to the death of a Wanderers fan Lemiyasi Josita while scores of other fans were injured.
Sulom has since fined Wanderers, suspended the club form footballing activities for five months and ordered that their Super League match with Silver Strikers that was abandoned last Saturday should to be replayed in closed doors.
Wanderers general secretary David Kanyenda said the verdict by Sulom is going to be challenged by a competent court of law , saying it was their supporter who was killed and scores of their fans seriously injured and that Sulom noted it was Silver whcch triggered the violence.
Kanyenda said they are shocked with the verdict because their supporters tried to calm the situation when the other supporter Raphael Moyo was being beaten by Silver Strikers fans.
“This verdict sends a wrong message to fans that they can incite violence when their team is losing knowing Sulom will order a replay,” siad Kanyenda.
He said Silver who incited the violence they were wholly responsible for the hooliganism.
Kanyenda said Wanderers will not re-play the match, saying he feels the decision was already made and that the disciplinary committee merely rubber stamped it to replay game witch was announced prior to the hearing.
“Our boys have dispersed for off-season and we are unable to raise a team. If they will allow Yona Malunga and other Nyerere fans to play then we can go to play otherwise I have to consult executive on our next course of action,” said Kanyenda.
Kanyenda also wondererd why Sulom haven’t ordered Silver to forfeit prize money in order to compensate the family of the killed fan and the injured witch leaves them without a viable option of seeking redress apart from institution of legal proceedings.
However, despite the police failing to calm the situation when a Wanderers supporter was beaten severely before dispersing teargass the verdict failed to explain clearly on what action will be taken to the law enforcers.
Meanwhile, the fan who died in Balaka stadium fracas has been laid to rest in a solemn ceremony attended by Wanderers supporters and football adminitrators.
And some of the injured Wanderers fans who got injured like Maggie from Chirimba township were on Monday transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has since assured the bereaved family of Lemiyasi Josita and all those affected by the Balaka tragedy that upon receiving reports from Sulom and Malawi Police, it will ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated.
FAM secretary general Suzgo Nyirenda said “appropriate action” will be taken to bring any culprits to book.
