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by
Gracian Tukula, 29 August 2003
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14:39:33
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For a sober approach
MBC Radio II sports presenter Phillip Business made my day on Wednesday when he said the committee that was running the Mike’s Trading Media Trophy would be investigating reports that Zabweka Stars, for which I am team manager, used juju to beat MBC Radiomen in the final on Sunday.
Knowing the committee, which did all it could throughout the competition to frustrate Zabweka — including fining the team K2,000 ostensibly for reporting late for the final when the letter of invitation that I have clearly said the final would start at 11 am — I will not be surprised if the investigations are launched. I will, however, not waste time and space commenting on the risible allegations.
I would rather comment on the more newsworthy start of the BP Top Eight Trophy last week. The decision by BP Malawi not only to continue with the trophy, but also to raise the stakes is more than welcome news considering the environment we are working in where sponsor after sponsor has been severing ties with the beautiful game.
That there are problems with the game is not debatable but instead of increasing the problems, BP has decided to try to be part of the solution. Among the prizes at stake is one to do with best officiation, thereby tackling one of the most contentious issues in the game today.
I would like to believe that BP Malawi had its goals when it set out to sponsor football. By not pulling out even while problems abound, the company has proved faithful to those goals and it will be respected for proactively helping to develop the game. No one will feel used. No one will think of taking the company to court.
The sober approach to the problems besetting football in the country as adopted by BP Malawi needs to be emulated by all. Emotional reactions to situations will not help the images of people involved, be they sponsors, clubs or administrators.
I have said before that we all have our egos bruised once in a while but the difference between a gentleman and whatever his opposite is, lies in how we nurse our hurt pride. Sulking or bully tactics are certainly not for gentlemen.
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