Stewards suspended for failing to catch pitch invader

The Stewards Leadership in Blantyre has suspended nine stewards for the rest of the season for failing to deal with a pitch invader.

Chief Steward Pascal Mkuta confirmed the development saying the nine showed incompetence during Nyasa Big Bullets and Silver Strikers round of 16 Fisd Challenge cup on 26 October when they failed to stop and apprehend a fan who invaded the pitch.

“We regret the incident that happened and we believe our personnel could have done better. We should have apprehended that culprit but we let him scot free. That was very unfortunate,” he said.

Mkuta added that his association does not entertain mediocrity anymore and he suggested that the suspended stewards should consider themselves sacked.

“Much as they are suspended I don’t see them coming back because we don’t want mediocrity anymore. We promise to ensure professionalism is adhered to by stewards in all matches,” said the chief steward.

The nine stewards who have been suspended are Edina Makwacha, Lazarus Nexa, Austin Elias, Salome Zintambira, Alick Luka, McCarthy Malunga, Agnes Kamuyanja, Paul Chindwe and Noel Phiri.

Meanwhile, the Stewards Leadership has refunded to the Football Association of Malawi K27,000 which was paid to the nine as duty allowance.

On his part, FAM’s Competitions Manager Gomezgani Zakazaka has applauded the Stewards Leadership for their stand against incompetence of stewards and he has urged them to improve their attitude while on duty.