The Malawi National Council of Sports has announced that it will investigate the drama surrounding the aborted trip for Malawi’s U17 team to Eswatini for the 2025 Council of Schools Sports Association of Southern Africa (COSASA) tournament.
It follows a story published by BolaNews on Monday that the team, which comprised football, basketball, and other athletes, failed to travel after funding was not secured.
The team, which had camped at the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) offices, was stranded at Nyambadwe Pump Station, nearly 10 kilometres away from FAM, as they waited for funding.
President of the Malawi Schools Sports Association (Massa), Blackson Malamula said the team waited at a pump station for the Sports Council to release K40 million for accommodation and participation fees, while FAM provided the bus and fuel.
When it became clear that the Council would not release the funds, Malamula cancelled the trip at around 8 p.m. after the team had waited for about 10 hours.
Council opens investigation
Council board chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise confirmed that an investigation will be carried out.
“Its sad the way our youngsters were treated. We will set up an inquiry on why Massa undertook this aborted voyage without approval. Council neither organised nor sanctioned the trip. There was no government clearance,” he said.
In addition, the Council issued a statement demanding answers within 24 hours.
It reads: “Tell us where K40 million is meant for the trip. The recent treatment of our U17 teams is appalling. Stranded at Nyambadwe Puma filling station due to lack of fuel and a travel allowance is unacceptable.
“Malawians deserve answers. Where did the K40 million budget allocation go? Why were these young athletes kept in camp without necessary resources? Who is accountable for this failure?” reads part of the statement.
