Zambian midfielder Kelvin Mutaya Mwape has lamented the National Independent Soccer Association’s (NISA) decision to disqualify his club, Maryland Bobcats FC, from the playoffs despite them topping the league standings.
Maryland Bobcats, competing in the Eastern division of the third-tier franchise league, NISA, signed Mwape as a free agent in March.
Born in Lusaka, the 28-year-old has played in the U.S. for over a decade, representing multiple clubs in the second and third tiers. The Kalingalinga product has contributed three goals and two assists in 13 league matches this year, inspiring Bobcats to a first-place finish in the East Conference of the 2024 NISA Championship.
The Maryland-based club tallied 50 points from 19 matches and were crowned the 2024 NISA Eastern Conference Regular Season champions.
They finished 14 points ahead of the Michigan Stars, whom they were scheduled to face in the semifinals of the NISA Championship playoffs on October 5.
However, through an official statement released on Wednesday, NISA confirmed that Maryland Bobcats were ineligible to participate in the playoffs.
“The league regrettably announces Maryland Bobcats FC is ineligible as it is not in compliance with the league nor the U.S. Soccer Federation.”
Mwape and Bobcats reaction
In response to the statement Maryland Bobcats officially communicated, “We find it curious that our club was deemed eligible throughout the regular season, but all of a sudden we are ineligible for postseason competition.”
“Our club has upheld all of our on-field obligations. We feel like there is information being spread about our club that is just not true, and we are committed to protecting our brand and our sporting integrity.”
In an exclusive interview with BolaNews, Maryland Bobcats midfielder Kelvin Mwape bemoaned, “[It’s] politics between the league and my club [BobCats]. They deemed us ineligible to play in the playoffs, but they can’t really explain why.
“It’s been demoralizing. But there’s nothing we can do to be honest,” the playmaker added.
The revised 2024 NISA Championship playoffs will feature Irvine Zeta FC facing Michigan Stars in the semifinals, with the winner taking on LA Force in the final set for October 19 at the Veterans Stadium. Meanwhile, Mwape, will be seeking a new destination next season.
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