This
site is designed for Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator versions
4 and above and a screen resolution of at least 800x600
|
|
|
Nomads in state of emergency
By
Garry Chirwa - 25-06-2002 |
|
|
Mighty’ MTL Wanderers were thrown into fresh crisis at the weekend ahead of their nail-biting K7 million Carlsberg Cup final against Total Big Bullets this weekend with coach Stuart Mbolembole threatening to throw in the towel and three key players facing serious disciplinary action after boycotting Sunday’s BP Top 8 match against Red Lions.
There is also tension between a section of the team’s fans and some players with some of the team’s diehards accusing the coach of bias in fielding of players.
The Nomads’ vice general secretary Henry ‘Kaka’ Chibowa confessed yesterday that “there was a bit of confusion” in the team.
“The chairman has called for an emergency meeting later on today (yesterday) involving all the stakeholders but there is absolutely no cause for alarm. We’ll get things back on track this evening and then focus our attention on repeating history and win Carlsberg Cup for the second time,” Chibowa said.
He also confirmed that midfielders Lawrence ‘Tico-Tico’ Majawa and Maxwell Chirwa and striker Mike Maganga refused to play Sunday’s crucial match against Red Lions at the 11th hour.
“The boycott by the three players also contributed to our loss on Sunday because they refused to play just when the coach had announced the line-up. In fact two of the three players were in the starting line-up.
“We understand that these players were protesting against allegations being made by a section of the supporters that they were bribing their way into the team but our position is that they should have found a better way to present their grievances other than boycotting the match,” Chibowa explained.
He said the issue was expected to be tabled at yesterday’s crucial meet.
On his part, Mbolembole said he was thoroughly upset with the allegations by the fans.
“I am very saddened with the allegations and if the issue is not addressed at tomorrow’s meeting I will have no choice but to step down to please the supporters’ ego.
“Fielding is done on merit and although I have the final say, it is not a one man show. The entire technical committee is involved in coming up with a team and it’s sad that this is happening ahead of Saturday’s game,” Mbolembole said.
He laughed off suggestions that he had run out of ideas, stressing that the Nomads lost the game because of the confusion that arose. |
|
|
|
|
|
