By Draxon Maloya
Karonga United Football Club’s executive committee is facing intense criticism following its decision to relocate some of the team’s home matches to Chitipa Stadium, a move that has sparked outrage among supporters and raised suspicions of match-fixing.
According to the club’s leadership, the decision was prompted by concerns that a significant number of fans were evading gate fees at Karonga Stadium, prompting the executive to shift games to the neighbouring district in an effort to curb revenue losses.
However, the decision has not been well received. The club’s official Facebook page has been inundated with angry comments, insults, and threats directed at executive committee members. Some fans have gone as far as accusing the leadership of conspiring to fix matches in favour of teams vying for the TNM Super League championship.
The backlash has spilled over to other platforms, including Tuntufye FM’s Facebook page, where similar sentiments have been expressed. The intensity of the reactions has raised concerns about the safety of some executive members.
When contacted for comment, Club Chairperson Alufeyo Deacon Chipanga referred the matter to General Secretary Ramsey Simwaka, who in turn deferred to the team’s Chief Supporter, Eston Mwasimbuli.
“The executive found it wise to shift games to Chitipa Stadium, but I was not part of that decision-making process. I also heard about it on the radio. I am informed that the Karonga United versus FCB Nyasa Big Bullets game will be played in Chitipa,” said Mwasimbuli.
He further expressed his dismay, warning that the move could endanger lives, including his own, given the level of anger among Karonga United supporters.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports suggest that Chairperson Chipanga has written to the Super League of Malawi (SULOM), requesting that the match against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets be reverted to Karonga Stadium.
Efforts to reach SULOM’s Secretary General, Williams Banda, for comment on the matter were unsuccessful.
