By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(Maravipost)-The Central Region Football Association (CRFA) of Malawi has found itself in an uncomfortable situation as the 2023 MK23 million Nyasa Capital Finance Cup round of 32 has been marked by a no-show from several teams.
Five teams, including Kamba FC from Kaliyeka, Leyman Panthers FC, Dedza Young Soccer FC, TN Stars FC, and Ngolowindo FC, have failed to honor their fixtures in the round of 32, despite being included in the CRFA draw.
These teams were expected to face Santhe ADMARC FC, Kamuzu Barracks RSV FC, Kawinga FC, Wimbe United FC, Green Rangers FC, and Dwangwa United respectively.
The findings of this publication reveal that the five teams did not pay the registration fees, yet CRFA included them during the draw and fixture announcements.
CRFA General Secretary Bernard Harawa expressed disappointment over the teams’ behavior and suggested potential reasons for their absence.
“We are obviously disappointed with the teams’ decision to not participate, as we were looking forward to these games. It could be due to player fatigue, but one possible reason is that these teams, which failed to qualify for the Premier League round of 12, may have released players since they are no longer competing in the league.”
“Perhaps that could be the reason, but looking back to last year, we used the same method, and all teams registered for the Nyasa Capital Cup and fulfilled their fixtures. I can’t confirm whether all teams paid the fee because I haven’t yet verified with the treasurer which teams did or didn’t.
“We wanted to run this year’s cup based on last year’s experience; however, it has turned into a disaster, and we are disappointed,” explains Harawa.
The MK23 million Nyasa Capital Finance Cup round of 32 in the Central region was expected to conclude with an encounter between Kamuzu Barracks RSV FC and the Area 49-based Leyman Panthers FC at Kamuzu Barracks ground. Unfortunately, the visitors did not show up.
A total of 37 goals have been scored in the round of 32’s 16 games, and the round of 16 is expected to take place during the midweek of next week.
Here is the list of the 16 teams that have qualified for the round of 16: Kawinga FC, Simbi FC, Mchinji Boma Strikers FC, Blue Eagles RSV FC, Kamuzu Barracks RSV FC, Silver Strikers RSV FC, Namitete Zitha FC, Airborne Rangers FC, Chisomo Academy FC, Mtengenji Monaco FC, Wimbe United FC, Carotyte Salima FC, Green Rangers FC, Mbabzi United FC, Mitundu Baptist FC, and Santhe ADMARC FC.
