Karonga United head coach Oscar Kaunda, who was suspended for assaulting a referee during a match in October 2024, has been pardoned by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and is now free to return to coaching duties.
Kaunda was found guilty of grabbing the referee’s manhood during a heated FDH Bank Cup match against Blue Eagles at Civo Stadium—a game that saw Karonga United eliminated from the tournament. In response, FAM handed Kaunda an eight-month suspension from all football activities and fined him MK500,000.
After serving six months of the suspension, FAM has decided to forgive Kaunda but issued a stern warning against future misconduct.
“Yes it is true we have forgiven Oscar Kaunda after he served a good part. So he is free to coach,” confirmed FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda.
Gunda added, “We have warned him not to be involved in such cases and if he does, then we will ban him for life meaning he will not be allowed to do anything related to sports.”
During Kaunda’s absence, assistant coach Chris Chimkwita stepped in and led Karonga United to notable successes, including knocking out giants Mighty Wanderers in the Airtel Top 8.
Kaunda, who has previously managed Wanderers and Civil Service United, has earned a reputation as one of the country’s most controversial coaches. In September 2023, he sparked debate when he told journalists that coaches should begin officiating matches themselves due to what he described as unprofessional refereeing standards in Malawi.
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