Hardnockers seek clarification on Masters’ qualification for FDH Bank Cup National phase

Ekwendeni Hardnockers Football Club wants a “clear” clarification on the process for the national level competition in the FDH Cup as they are calling for the dismissal of Lube Masters Football Club.

Background of the Story

Last season, the Football Association of Malawi allowed Reserve teams to participate in the FDH Bank Cup Preliminary phases but this season they have “completely” barred all Reserve teams from the competition.

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Last season, Silver Strikers Reserve were barred from progressing to the National competition despite beating Kamuzu Barracks Reserve while in the Northern Region, Ekwendeni Hardnockers progressed to the next stage despite losing to Lube Masters.

This forces Associations to restrict Bullets Reserve, Wanderers Reserve, and Silver Strikers Reserve among others.

What is the matter at hand?

Despite All Reserve teams being barred from participating in the FDH Bank Cup, in the Northern Region, Lube Masters FC were allowed to play.

The team changed the name from Ekwendeni Hammers Reserve to Lube Masters after securing sponsorship from Lube Masters. The team is appearing among the teams that will participate in the competition at the National level after beating Hardnockers.

In a letter dated June 10 in Wa Mpira‘s possession, Hardnockerz said they are puzzled by this decision, especially considering the precedent set in previous seasons.

Grant Desmond Kalipinde, General Secretary for the Club said the team want clarification on the following 4 things:

1. Why has the Northern Region Football Association changed the qualification rule this year without a valid explanation and formal announcement to all the stakeholders involved.
2. Will the rule from the Salima executive committee meeting, which disallows reserve teams from competing at the national level, be enforced consistently this year?
3. On what grounds is the decision being made to allow or disallow Lube Masters to proceed, considering their status as a reserve team for Mzuzu City Hammers Fc?
4. If Lube masters is an independent team now, when was the formal announcement made by the Clubs involved to let the whole football fraternity know of this arrangement?

However, sources inside Mzuzu City Hammers have confirmed with Wa Mpira that Lube Masters are no longer under Mzuzu City Hammers.

“Since last season, Lube Masters have been a stand-alone team. They are playing Simso and Hammers acquired Bico Opticals, a team that plays in the FCB U19,” said the source.

The roster for the NRFA FDH Bank Cup’s round of 32 is now complete, featuring the following formidable teams:

1. Chihame All Stars FC
2. Chintheche United FC
3. Iponga FC
4. Lube Masters FC
5. Raiply FC
6. Sporting FC

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