BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have been denied access to Chitipa Stadium for their training sessions ahead of their crucial TNM Super League match against Chitipa United this Saturday.
According to Bullets CEO Alfred Chigoga, the team had made prior arrangements with Chitipa District Council to use the stadium for training, but upon arrival on Tuesday, they were turned away.
Chigoga attributed the development to alleged interference from Chitipa United officials, who reportedly objected to Bullets training at the stadium.
He lamented the lack of an alternative training ground in the district, which has left the team in a difficult situation as they prepare for the big match.
However, Chitipa United chairperson Mika Yobe has distanced his club from the matter, stressing that the facility is under the jurisdiction of the district council. “We have no say in the matter,” Yobe said, adding that the decision to deny Bullets access to the stadium rests with the council.
Chitipa District Council director of planning and development Philemon Maseko explained that initial permission was given to Bullets without considering the host team’s concerns, which later led to the reversal.
“We gave them permission without consulting Chitipa United, and that was an oversight on our part,” Maseko said.
The development has sparked controversy, with Bullets vice general secretary Donnex Chilongo weighing in on the matter.
Chilongo reminded clubs that visiting teams are entitled to a one-hour training session on match eve, as per the league regulations.
“We will look into the matter and ensure that our teams are accorded the necessary facilities to prepare for matches,” Chilongo said.
The dispute highlights the challenges that teams face when it comes to accessing training facilities, particularly in smaller towns where options are limited.
For Bullets, the lack of access to Chitipa Stadium has added an extra layer of complexity to their preparations for the match.
The team faces a tough challenge against Chitipa United on Saturday, followed by a midweek fixture against Songwe Border FC in Karonga.
As the situation stands, Bullets will have to find alternative ways to prepare for the match, possibly relying on other training grounds or adjusting their training schedule.
The team’s coaching staff will need to think outside the box to ensure that the players are adequately prepared for the challenges ahead.
In the midst of these logistical challenges, Bullets will hope that their experience and class will see them through against Chitipa United.
The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to make a statement in the TNM Super League.
The Sulom vice general secretary’s comments suggest that the league body may need to step in to resolve the issue and ensure that teams are accorded the necessary facilities to prepare for matches.
As the league progresses, it is essential that teams have access to suitable training grounds to prepare for their fixtures.