By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Central Region Football Association Premier division league outfit, Namitete Zitha have been banned for two years from participating in any trophy organized by King Kabvina, owner of the Champion Stadium in Mponela, Dowa.
The team has also been fined to pay MK800,000 in cash within 48 -hours after receiving the verdict which K500,000 is for violating champions cup rules and regulations while the K300,000 for the physical assault of the referees to cover for medical expenses and missing items including; whistle, flags, stop watches, cards tone starts.
Five players namely Jonathan Manda, Alexander Cosmas, Lazack Allih, Kondwani Jimmy and Hardwell Chidziweni have been suspended from participating in any competitions organized by Football Association of Malawi (FAM) for a period of 18 months as they are allegedly to be the perpetrators of the violences and the bullying of the match officials which occurred on 21st September 2024 at the Champion Stadium when Namitete Zitha played Villa FC in round 16 of the K20 million Champion trophy.
As per the Verdict released on Friday, 27th September 2024 by the Champion Stadium committee through their general secretary, James Chibwana indicates that the verdict has been determined after a thorough review of the incident of assaulting match officials as supported by the evidences and eyewitness testimonies, referees reports, video footage which shows that members of Namitete Zitha team physically and verbally assaulted the match officials.
Confirming about the verdict Champion Stadium General secretary, James Chibwana said the determination has been made by following the rules and regulations governing the competition
“Indeed we have released the verdict pertaining official bullying and assault by Zitha. This verdict signifies our commitment and condemning of violence and hooliganism in our competition.
“We have just followed rules and regulations governing the competition”, said Chibwana.
However, Namitete Zitha General Secretary, Fred Zelendina asked for more time before commenting on the matter noting Champion Stadium secretariat missed one or two steps before releasing their verdict.
“Give us sometime before we comment on the matter, we have received the determination despite seeing it on WhatsApp forums which to us, and they have released the verdict without calling us for hearing so we will act upon officially receiving the verdict “, Ndelezina echoed.
The verdict also indicates that Zitha lost the game 2-1 to Villa and it will have negative impact on their quest to win CRFA Chipiku Premier division league as their key players above mentioned will miss the action for 18 months.
However, the team is given chance to appeal to CRFA with 48 hours of receiving the verdict with non-refundable fee of K200,000.
Zitha is in the last 12 round of the central region and kick start the campaign on Sunday, September 29 2024 at home, Mchinji Mini-Stadium against Ekas Freight Wanderers FC.
